Ten Things of Thankful: Take Time to Smell the Lilacs

 

Though stormy skies threaten rain, a white lilac shows off beautiful blossoms

Going to wax philosophical today, and the above photo illustrates my thoughts and feelings well. The dark sky in the background was, in this instance, an approaching storm. Viewing the clouds on that day, the interplay of light and dark was mesmerizing, and I was curious to see if we would get precipitation. But even though I didn't particularly want to get caught in a downpour, my beautiful, very fragrant lilacs were blooming, and there was no place I wanted to be more than outside, with my nose in the lilac blossoms. The sight and scent brought me joy that not even the threat of an imminent storm could dampen. 

Life is like that. The "weather" changes, sometimes suddenly and without warning. Othertimes, we can anticipate the change. But even in the rain--whether it be a short cloudburst or an entire monsoon season--we can find joy, beauty, and gratitude. 

Looking back over the past week, I am thankful:

1. For children. My youngest turned the big 3-0 this week. She and I view that age differently. One of us feels old, and it's not me. :-) One more child's birthday is in a couple of weeks, then "birthday season" for my kids is done for the year. I used to think it was funny when my grandma would use the word "kid" for a grown man, but I get it now. No matter how capable, responsible, and intelligent my adult children are, they will forever be my children. What a privilege to have been able to watch them grow up!

2. For the renewing beauty of spring. Everything is leafing out and blossoming. Bees are humming, and quail are scurrying all over the yard. 

3. For memories. As John and I (and his siblings/their spouses) continue to prepare John's parents' house for the market, it's funny how even the most insignificant of items we come across can prompt memories. (To be clear, John's parents are still alive; they have just downsized significantly.) The yellow wall phone inspired a Facebook post by John's brother this week, for example. 

4. For decisions made. I can't share details, as it wasn't my decision to make, but I am thankful it is done. 

5. For the ability to give--specifically, blood. Blood donation is an easy thing for me, and I'm a firm believer that everyone benefits as we play to our strengths. If blood donation isn't your thing, that's OK, because something else is. So often I hear people say, "It was nothing" about some act of service they gave, as if that means the service isn't important. Not true! If you helped someone out in any way (even if it was super easy for you) it counts. It's OK to feel good about simple things, and blood donation reminds me of that. 

6. For parents, both John's and mine. 

7. For grandchildren. I love them so much!

8. For city clean-up days. Twice a year, our city has community-wide clean up days. Just knowing those days are coming up helps me get motivated to get rid of unwanted items. 

9. For Drexel, our dog. He's no spring chicken, but he's a calm, well-mannered, happy guy, and I'm thankful for his longevity. 

10. For John. We've traveled roads (literally and figuratively) that we never would have imagined when we started our marriage nearly 39 years ago and I'm so thankful we've had our adventures together!

No matter the weather or storms of life, take time to smell the lilacs! 

(I know the expression uses the word "roses", but they aren't blooming right now. Probably could wax philosophical about that, too, but let's just go smell lilacs and not worry about the roses right now!)

What are you thankful for this week? Be sure to visit the other blogs that have linked up to the Ten Things of Thankful blog hop!

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