Dancing in the Field

Gratitude is contagious.

Like a benevolent airborne pathogen, it spreads from one person to another, changing hearts and filling empty spaces. I continue to discover its capacity to change our attitudes and re-frame our circumstances.

Gratitude is a sleeper in our culture. We do not know its power.

Practicing the art of noticing--the first step in learning to give thanks in all things--can be tough for busy folks in the fast lane.

Look others in the eye.

Listen.

Be fully present in the moment.

Take a moment to give thanks.

Shared experiences of gratitude fuel one person's day and then overflow into the lives of others. Such was the case with Kelly's beautiful call to savor the moment published this week. I have heard from so many of you about the impact of her words in your lives.

Hear this snippet from a wise and busy mother who, after reading Kelly's post, shared her moment with me:

It completely changed my attitude as I lived the day. And, because of that shift, [my little boy] and I shared a very special moment - one that I NEVER want to forget. It was something that he said to me - AND I STOPPED being busy and I LISTENED!! He said - "Mommy, watch me dance!"

And, I did and then we danced together!

Isn't that what we tell our children - dance! And then when they do, we are too busy to dance with them!?!

I say wise, because she knows all too well that the days of dancing in the field are numbered.
She will never regret taking a moment to make a memory.

I had the chance to make a memory with my grown girls this summer, and we still find delight in playful antics. One is pictured above dancing in a dreamy children's garden on the stepping stones etched, "Merrily...merrily...merrily...merrily...Life...is...but...a...dream."

Offering bright moments in someone's life need not be expensive or time-consuming. Giving thanks for a simple act fits in any budget. And noticing is the first step.

I believe as we live lives of gratitude, we will live with fewer regrets. It's just a hunch, mind you, but I'm willing to bet the farm on it.

Go make a moment or find one somewhere today, and pass it on. Catch a good case of gratitude!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 ESV

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16 ESV

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 ESV