More Gratitude....a piece about life & attitude...from mrreindeer Sr.

[mrreindeer]

My Dad is in his mid-'60's and is a completely changed man from the fellow I was raised by. When my parents were together, he was a workaholic and never spent time with me. After the divorce, when I was 11, I finally got to know my Dad. Now he's my best friend. And he wrote this for his local Charleston, SC paper and I'd like to share it with you all:

MORE GRATITUDE

"Several years ago, my life began a remarkable transformation for the better. I was inspired by the pastor of the church my wife and I attended in Los Angeles. I came to understand truly – and more importantly to practice – gratitude. Of the hundreds of examples, I recall particularly arriving at our hew home on Daniel Island over two years ago and asking: “What have I done, Lord, for which you have so richly rewarded me?”

On Thanksgiving, I recited grace at our family dinner. It presented once again the opportunity for me to express my profound gratitude to almighty God for having given to me my beloved family, friends and others who have touched my life; my pets and Gods’ other creatures who share the land, air and streams with me; the beautiful dawns and sunsets; my health; and especially for having given me every precious moment of life.

Then we prayed for others less fortunate, for those who serve others in such a variety of ways, for our country and for world peace.

It then occurred to me, if everyone were to practice gratitude, all of those prayers will have been answered."

[scottw]

He sounds like a wise man indeed David, what happened to you? Kidding aside, thank you for sharing. I think we are all very fortunate here. Someone always has it worse.

[mrreindeer]

Originally Posted by scottw

He sounds like a wise man indeed David, what happened to you?

I know, right?

[andrewsutherland2002]

Originally Posted by mrreindeer

It then occurred to me, if everyone were to practice gratitude, all of those prayers will have been answered."

Well said. Too bad it doesn't happen.

[Cigary]

Cool post,,,as usual my friend. To have a relationship like you do with your Dad is something special and that is what I wish for you and your wife. Passing on those kinds of relationships is what it is all about,,eveything else is gravy. He sounds like a man who has been transformed by something bigger than all of us,,,again, great story!

[mrreindeer]

Originally Posted by mrreindeer

It then occurred to me, if everyone were to practice gratitude, all of those prayers will have been answered."

Originally Posted by andrewsutherland2002

Well said. Too bad it doesn't happen.

True, true... But you know Andy..it's up to us to make sure we practice it and then maybe we can bring about some change...

Originally Posted by Cigary

Cool post,,,as usual my friend. To have a relationship like you do with your Dad is something special and that is what I wish for you and your wife. Passing on those kinds of relationships is what it is all about,,eveything else is gravy. He sounds like a man who has been transformed by something bigger than all of us,,,again, great story!

Thanks Gary! Yes, yes he has. I try to practice gratitude also, as much as possible, as well as positivity...life's too damn short to be a hater!

[mrreindeer]

just thought i'd bump this one in case you need some wise words for the week ahead!

[madurolover]

Very inspirational words there my friend!

Does your dad live in Charleston and if so do you ever get out this way?

[mrreindeer]

Thanks Donnie, thought it needed repeating!

Yep, he's in Charleston; we've been out once but it was about 3 years ago. We're due for a trip in 2010 when the baby can travel. He's been out to visit yearly which is nice but we need to reciprocate now!

[madurolover]

Originally Posted by mrreindeer

Thanks Donnie, thought it needed repeating!

Yep, he's in Charleston; we've been out once but it was about 3 years ago. We're due for a trip in 2010 when the baby can travel. He's been out to visit yearly which is nice but we need to reciprocate now!

When yo do make sure you let me know and plan a stop by Myrtle Beach!

[mrreindeer]

Originally Posted by madurolover

When yo do make sure you let me know and plan a stop by Myrtle Beach!

But of course Donnie!

[Bermac]

Great post. I had a rough few days that led to a "Why does this happen to me" attitude. It is important to step back and see the big picture.

[Rubix^3]

Great Post David.
It is so easy to take what we have for granted. Funny how quick we forget the added bonus for gratitude; that we experience joy in the present for what we have, rather than deferring that joy to some illusion of material happiness in the future.

thank-you.