GRATITUDE
GRATITUDE
By Mary Cook, M.A., R.A.S.
Gratitude is a baby’s hand finding home in mother’s finger
Outstretched arms, when we need to cry
A soft, warm puppy asleep on our lap
Cold, hard rain descending upon the earth
Gratitude is the fragrance of fresh bread when we don’t want to face the day
A hot, steamy shower that clears the clutter from our minds
Fear and worry that facilitates faith
Wounds that teach us how to heal
Gratitude is the shooting star on a summer night
The first snowflake on our window pane
It’s the storm that brings endurance and strength
And the safe harbor that welcomes us home
Gratitude is planting seeds and growing dreams
It’s losing what we have and knowing we are full
It is the anger of the moment that leads to greater understanding
The dance of exuberance and the growth through hardships
Gratitude is the grander vision that sees beyond our mind
It is the sunshine within us that stretches out before us
The whisper of peace from a dying man’s lips
The grace of Heaven welcoming him home
We are so much more than we think ourselves to be. We walk in the midst of grace and glory, yet our minds see misery. Great success does not come from a list of accomplishments. It does not come from money, possessions or power. It comes from listening to our hearts, our instincts, and most of all, our God. It comes from loving ourselves with all of our defects. It comes when we lay down weapons and offer assistance. We must cease defending, denying, offending, and prejudging. Compassionate caring, dignity, grace, humility, and understanding-that is what we should be extending. In the end, all that matters is how well we have loved ourselves, others, this earth, and the Creator of it all. Our ignorance of this larger truth costs us untold suffering. It is the test of this life to meet pain with understanding, exchange fears for faith, and know that we are continually nurtured by what we cannot see. This is the greater reality. Mary Cook”
—Grace Lost and Found
About Mary
I have a Master's degree in psychology, and am a registered addiction specialist with over 35 years of clinical practice and 29 years of University teaching. My private practice provides telephone & office counseling, workshops, in-service training,...