The power of one

Dear God:

Today, 1.11.11, I am thankful for the power of one.

The Power of One is not just one of my all-time favorite movies, it's also something in which I believe.

• One person
• One lesson
• One prayer
• One snowflake
• One kiss
• One song
• One small step
• One sip
• One smile
• One gift
• One heart
• One tree
• One death 
• One poem
• One dollar

can change a life,
inspire a journey,
transform the world, and
make an irreversible dent in the Universe.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sore muscles

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for tired muscles.

The good news. S and I climbed long and hard at the rock gym on Saturday and Sunday. Not bad for two boomers. Today, I am tired and a little stiff. Makes sense to take a break from strenuous exercise. I'm not completely off the hook - still have to stretch and work my abs.

The bad news. I don't get to climb and already miss the workout and our friends at the gym.

I'll be back on Wednesday, however, ready to master another section of the traverse and try a more difficult bouldering problem or sport climb.

Yes, my worst day of climbing always beats my best day at work.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Sunshine

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for sunshine.

The recent Arctic front was an unwelcome new year's guest with its bone-chilling cold days, sub-zero nighttime temperatures and icy roads. Brrrr. So, so cold.

This morning, the sun's warmth is a true gift. The thermometer reads a chilly 28 degrees F, but it feels like a balmy late spring day. Look Mom, no jacket!

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

A new year

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a new year.

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding

One resolution I have made, and try to always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.
~John Burroughs

This year, I resolve:

• To be more generous than ever with my time, talents and resources
• To rid my life of clutter and excess
• To write and read more (i.e., to watch less television)
• To improve my skills every time I climb or boulder
• To be kind to everyone who crosses my path
• To rise above the little things 
• To be grateful in all situations

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.