A Few Clicks on the Clock

Thanksgiving is a day of family, food, football, fun, and gratitude.  I'm a big believer in finding gratitude in every moment of the day...even when it's not my initial instinct.  It can feel like a challenge sometimes, and I'm not saying I always succeed, but I can usually look back and find a little parcel of positivity for which to be thankful.

It's easy for me to recount the more momentous events and reasons for my gratitude this year: a new job for my husband, pretty good health for my 2 and 4-legged family members, my kids' success in school, memorable moments with friends and family, meeting new friends in the blogosphere and the opportunity to attend BlogPaws, a fantastic 40th (gasp) birthday party...  But how about the little things that happen each and every day?  Are they really any less significant?  Do they impact our lives any less than the principal events and situations that initially pop into our minds?  Sure, the bigger moments may feel more monumental, but it's the tiny trickles that build a day, that mold our mood, and that keep us traversing time.  Sometimes these trickles become a part of a larger scenario, but many times they do not.  They are simply a few clicks on the clock.  

The past few days I've been trying to remain especially conscious of these moments -- here are a few of them:

• Last night I covered our fresh-baked pies with a towel and then Saffy proceeded to step across the towel, in search of a pre-Thanksgiving snack.  I'm grateful that there was a towel between her paws and the pies.  I am also grateful for the funny image of her walking across the pies.  Thank You.

• A few days ago we discovered the heater in my van would only work properly when the vehicle was in motion.  As soon as we stopped at a light, cold air poured from the vent.  This was not a particularly cozy feeling on a 20 degree Minnesota morning.  Yesterday the heat suddenly began working again.  Thank You.

• I just realized that, since I dusted and vacuumed on Tuesday, I won't have to do it again today before our family arrives for dinner.  I love it when housework doesn't even make it on to my to-do list!  Thank You.

• Cosmo slept under the covers with me last night and rested his little paw on my leg.  The feeling was so sweet that I remained in that position for much longer than my body was comfortable.  Thank You.

• I found a matching set of purple gloves and a scarf that I forgot I had.  They are incredibly soft, warm, and they are my favorite color! I felt elated when I found these -- like I'd just received a gift.  I guess I did.  Thank You.

• My husband went out in the blustery, snowy weather yesterday afternoon to pick up our Thanksgiving rolls from the bakery.  He's such a good guy.  Thank You.

• When we went for our family photo a few nights ago, my teenage son made a solid attempt at removing the wrinkles from his shirt by tossing it in the dryer for ten minutes.  It looked mostly wrinkle-free and none of the photos were close-ups.  Thank You.

• My teenage daughter played a song for me that she says she sings to our Phoebe most every night.  The thought of her lying on the bed, singing sweetly to our kitty made my heart feel crazy-full.  My kids love animals.  Thank You.

I could go on and on, but the point is I want to stop and fully experience these blips in time.  They may not be situations we recall ten years from now, but they are what's happening right now.  Those clicks on the clock are the make-up of our lives.  I want to savor those seconds. 

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!  Whether or not you celebrate this holiday, please know that I am grateful for each and every one of you!

In Gratitude,
Angie