William Blake, seated, in his old age, beside a little girl at a dinner party; Blake leaned down to her, smiled, and said, “May God make this world as beautiful to you as it has been to me.”
My gratitude list
Perhaps you’ve noticed the pattern? A gratitude post every Monday, inspired by Laurel Regan of Alphabet Salad.
This week, I would like to focus my gratitude on all the beauty of Nature I’ve enjoyed over the last few weeks. In our new home, we have the space and opportunity to start a garden and that is something I’m truly grateful for. I’ve talked about the lilies before, now it’s the papaya trees that have taken root! And then there’s the lovely monsoon showers from time to time. Not enough rain, but we’re grateful for all we get.
Last week, we were blessed to be invited by a to the lovely campus of ICRISAT. The sheer mass of green around that campus made it a delightful place to visit. And the fact that we had wonderful company, stimulating conversation and enjoyed great hospitality, made us thankful.
There is nothing we can be more thankful for than life and Nature. Today, I am drawn to reflect on St Francis of Assisi, who according to his biographer Bonaventure was such a lover of Creation because of his close contact with the sacred. To quote, Bonaventure:
Francis delighted in all the works of God’s hands and from the vision of joy on earth, his mind soared aloft to the life-giving source and cause of all. In everything beautiful, he saw (God) who is beauty itself, and he followed his Beloved everywhere by (God’s) likeness imprinted on creation.
I wish you a wonderful week ahead. In the words of William Blake: May God make this world as beautiful to you as it has been to me.
I’m linking up to Laurel Regan’s – Today’s Gratitude List Linkup No.40. Join other bloggers in listing out all that you are grateful for in the week that’s gone by.
Suggested reading: Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
I think I should spend more time reading blogs like yours and less time worrying about the hurtful things that people say. I needed this today, Corinne. You have no idea how much <3
Shailaja V recently posted..Knowing -#Write Tribe
Hugs, Shailaja! Gratitude is the best cure for the blues! ♥
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Nothing Changes Until You Do
May you always stay blessed, Corinne. I’d love to see pictures of ICRISAT if you clicked any. What a nostalgic feeling! 🙂 Gratitude certainly makes everything worthwhile!
Vidya Sury recently posted..A Fresh Look At Life
You too, Vidya. I didn’t click pictures at ICRISAT except of our host and friends. But I’m hoping to go back again – soon! I promise!
And about gratitude, you know I agree! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Nothing Changes Until You Do
What a soothing post, Corinne !!. Expressing Gratitude uplifts one’s soul.
Jayanta Tewari recently posted..Where is the End ?
Thanks, Jayanta. Yes, gratitude truly is good for the soul!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Hear Me Roar
Beautiful post, Corinne! I dont have space for gardening at my home. But, my husband is so interested, he made a small area where he planted the daisies. They are so lovely 🙂
Shalini recently posted..Kadai Paneer
such a beautiful thought! Thank you for this today.
Carol Cassara recently posted..Everything’s got a price
Living in middle east made me grateful for the greenery and rains we had back in home. And now that;s something I ran back to whenever I can…
A gratitude post every week? Awesome idea… something I think I should also adapt. Thanks for this :)…
Sheethal recently posted..Love beyond Worlds.
I am so glad this is the first thing I read today morning. May Life be beautiful and kind to you too Corinne 🙂
Bhavya recently posted..The Girl In The Train
It is such a pleasant feeling to read this post in the morning…I don’t have much space to garden in my apartment but I do have a pot which has hibiscus planted in it and I just love it when it blooms…True Nature has this quality, if we notice that is, to make us happy…
nabanita recently posted..Trivialize No More!
I am grateful for the rains that our hot and arid land is finally receiving. It is blissful not only for us but for the birds and animals around too. And yes, the greenery all around is so soothing too! Like this idea of a gratitude post every Monday. 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted..When Things are Falling Apart
It was a great pleasure to spend a leisurely Saturday with you, Corinne, and Jose, Pablo, Ajai and David. I look forward to the next visit and more tertulias. I posted a few pics in my Facebook page.
Nature is truly a remarkable thing and being grateful for it is something I never forget. We love love love nature. And I can’t wait to start my own gardening when we find a place to live! 🙂
Life Breath Present recently posted..Mostly Unedited Week in Review – 8/6/14
Such a positive post. Indeed, when we fill ourselves with gratitude for the good things around us, life begins to shine in a better light. Nature is definitely one of the things we should be grateful for and let ourselves not take it for granted.
Wonderful post Corinne and great way to start the week. Gratitude is the key to happiness. Nature has so many beautiful things in it. if we stop every day to smell the roses that day is going to be much more wonderful.
We just built a planet in front of our home and love the new flowers growing in it.
Thanks for sharing I am grateful.
Debbie
Debbie recently posted..I Was Married To A Child Molester And Didnât Know It
Reading your gratitude blogs , I feel at peace.I am grateful that it\’s not raining and I can feel the rays of the sun.20 yrs ago my husband had planted many mango saplings . This season , one mango tree sprouted fruits and we felt happy.
Beautiful quote. Love it!
Laurel Regan recently posted..Photo Friday: From Nature