Gratitude

 



We went to Ella's golf tournament today and got the very last golf cart.


And it was a real winner!


It had two speeds- 1/4 mph or 60 mph- with nothing in between.  It was also very loud so it sounded like we were gunning for people as every time George tapped the gas it surged forward with the roar of a go-kart at the track.


I had a headache from the fumes and Ella was a bit embarassed because it was just so loud!! 


So we lurched our way around the course careening toward objects and then coming to sudden stops until George finally had his very best moment when the golf cart actually backfired.  


It was actually quite comical but as we were leaving and I limped away from the course with my knee still braced as I wait for surgery, it occurred to me that we had spent most of the morning laughing and complaining about our cart compared to the nicer electric well-functioning and smooth riding carts that we hadn't even been appreciative of the fact we hadn't had to walk all over the course.


It can be so easy to focus on what a situation  ISN'T, and to forget the blessings we have as we look to compare  to others.


It may be that we do hope for an upgrade and the nicer cart, and perhaps we will make a plan and work hard for that reality, but in the mean time we will be happier and find more joy if we are thankful.  


"The expectation that more is deserved can cause our plate of plenty to appear empty." (Gordon T Watts).


What we  "deserve" has nothing to do with what those around us have.  


Instead of being angry or upset with our lot, perhaps we should take some time to ask and ponder  why we have been given our current circumstances.

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