When I am grateful, I find my grace.

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.” ― Maya Angelou

I started this tonight as I forgot about it this morning.  Periodically I join one of Deepak and Oprah's meditation sessions.  The current session is about gratitude.  

When I am grateful, I find my grace.  Yesterday I went for a walk and received this message.   I started walking the opposite way of my normal path.  I did so on a suggestion from Joel Osteen.  He had ran the same path for some 20 years.  I do not remember the details on why he changed but he did.  On his new path he saw things that he had never seen. 

This happened to me as well. I saw yards that I have seen once or twice, listened to the sound of the outdoors (not the cars and the traffic) it was the birds and the trees swaying in the wind.   It began to rain gently.  I could smell the rain and feel the humidity as it hit the pavement.  I started to go back home. I could just as easily crawl back in bed. Instead, I continued on my walk.  I did not think of the heat or the rain.  I prayed.  I am thankful to God for everyday I wake up, turning my life around, helping to reach my goals, family, friends, my business, school the list goes on and on.  Yes, I have had my ups and downs.  Nevertheless, I am living in the now and grateful for every moment. At that moment I was finding my grace.  I had no clue that this would be today's meditation.  However, it was perfect.  I ended up returning home after a mile and a half, drenched in rain and sweat.  I did not care my mind was at ease I was also drenched in gratitude. 

Today I woke up feeling off my normal beat.  I had a fever, sore throat and had a restless night.  I did not have the burden that I had yesterday.  I found myself smiling at nothing.  I sat and enjoyed a small breakfast as I reflected on the walk.  As I left the house I felt at ease and that carried me through the day.  I did not meditate until after eleven but it all came in God's time.  It made perfect sense.

I can say to you all Namaste.  Live with your heart open to the world around you.  Embrace life and do not merely exist but get out and smell the wind, listen to the wildlife be grateful for each day, person and experience. What are you grateful for?