Thursday, November 25, 2010

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

16 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post..you had me tearing up a bit! And giggling at the image of Saffy stepping across the pies! I hope you and your family have a wonderful (and warm) Thanksgiving! <3 Stephanie

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  2. Mom Kim here: Life IS the small daily moments that too many overlook. For decades I've either done a gratitude journal or jotted down my "happys" for the day--small things like sunrises, a chai latte or good cup of coffee, a wonderful meal, hearing bird song...Those are what life is all about, interspersed with a few wonderful highs and some terrible lows.

    So a very happy Thanksgiving to you all. I hope it's a joy-full, thank-full day!

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  3. I was prepared to laugh and you made me CRY!!! But I cried because of the complete beauty in this post...it was so heart felt...just like everything that you do!
    "clicks on the clock" so true....we all must have an "attitude of gratitude" and you certainly do!
    I am soooo grateful for YOU and the joy you bring to my life on a regular basis...thank you for taking the time to remind us of what is truly important today!
    Sending amazing Thanksgiving wishes for an AMAZING woman! Love you!! xoxoxoxo

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  4. Happy thanksgiving Angie! What a beautiful post... Like Caren, I was ready to laugh, but got teary instead! I read part of your post to Alex. He is thankful for Saffy, because now he knows he is not the only cat whose parents have to put food protections in place!

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  5. What a fabulous post!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  6. I really enjoyed this and sometimes we don't think of the small things to be grateful for. Saffy and the pies reminded me of cookies I baked. I asked my Sister if she wanted any and she asked me if Kassey bothered them...lol I said no that I had them covered. Cats have to be right in the middle of everything which adds to their charm. Happy Thanksgiving, Angie

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  7. What a special post! Thank you!!! So much of the time we concentrate on the big Blessings but forget all the little ones that indeed make up our daily life. I love your a 'few clicks on the clock' title. You have just made my Thanksgiving better!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  8. What a wonderful post. We all tend to forget being thankful for the small things. I just read on another blogging friend's blog that we have 86,400 seconds each day, and it only takes 2 seconds to say "thank you."

    Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful I found you and your blog.

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  9. What a touching post and a reminder to find those special Moments everyday. Tell your son I "iron" the same way!!!! : D

    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Shawn

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  10. Thank you for the post. It's a very good reminder to be thankful for everything, no matter how small it may seem. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  11. Lovely post. Happy Thanksgiving to you from all of us!

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  12. The Zen of Giving Thanks, you haz it.

    Wonderful post! It's sublime to live mindfully.

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  13. Great post ! Happy Thanksgiving !

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  14. It sounds like you indeed have a lot of wonderful things to be thankful for! I love it that your daughter sings to her kitty ~ so cute! I have a song that I always sing to Banjo too. I'm pretty sure he loves it when I do... ;)

    Happy Friday!
    xo Catherine

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  15. Aww so many sweet moments :) I can't imagine seeing a pet climb across the pies, I would *freak out*!!
    I am thankful for getting a trip to BlogPaws (and meeting you) too!! :D

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