My morning cup of hot gratitude

There is nothing like waking up in the morning and smelling the aroma of hot, strong coffee as I unsteadily heave my sleepy body out of bed.  As I stumble bumble to my kitchen at the "wee" hours of between 6-7am or maybe later (I am not an early morning person can you tell?), I immediately prepare my hot cup of java to jumpstart my day.  Well, I don't really jump anymore but you get the idea.  My mind and sleepy body are always foggy due to my plethora of meds that I take throughout the day and at nighttime.  My poor head doesn't ever feel attached to my crazy body.  A new normal for now.

As I sip my hot coffee and sit in my comfortable chair, I engage a posture of pure gratitude.  I give thanks and praise to our Almighty God for His blessings upon me and my family.  I begin reading my morning meditations and diving into scripture.  However, before I start asking God for the requests that I have written in my prayer journal, I sit quietly with my coffee and offer my deep gratitude.

I allow myself one, large mug of strong coffee, and I give thanks for even that because I feel happy my digestive system will tolerate it.  I think of my best friend who cannot even have one cup of coffee because she suffers greatly with a digestive chronic illness.      I think of her as I sip in gratitude.

For two years now of being on a new and improved treatment regimen for my migraines, I can wake up most mornings with little to no head pain compared to the horrific nightmare headaches that started my days off in disaster mode.  I would have to give myself several strong shots of meds to try and control the beast, and then I would be down for the count for hours unable to hardly move.  Now when I do have morning attacks, I most often can get them under control faster and easier.          I remember those hard mornings and sit quietly in gratitude.

Being able to make plans with friends while not fearing that I might be short on follow through is huge progress.  I constantly felt guilty for everything I could not "do" which left me sad and frustrated.     Emotionally I breathe in gratitude and breathe out fear.  Acceptance of what is fills me with great peace.

Going about my ordinary day and looking for the extraordinary is so refreshing physically and mentally. I actually love tackling the mundane house chores (well most of the time anyway!) because this means I feel well enough to be up and about and not sick and in bed.        I give gratitude for ironing, washing, cleaning, cooking, and taking care of our home .

Having fun times with my family when we are together melt my heart.  It was always so lonely to be up in my bedroom in constant M Land feeling crummy while I could here laughter and silliness coming from downstairs.  I can't begin to count the numerous events and family outings I missed when my migraines were at a point of being totally out of control.      I give gratitude for better management which allows me to step back into my life once again.

My family and friends rally around me daily in some way showing support while they walk with me on this journey.  They are givers, encouragers, carriers of joy and hope and certainly prayer warriors.  I even have close online communities of friends who make sure we all hold each other up each and everyday whether the challenge is light or heavy.           I offer gratitude for all of this and the opportunity to have a slower paced life in order that I may reach out to others and encourage them as they do me.   Being active in several support groups is my way of paying it forward in being a blessing to others.

My "word" for this year is gratitude.  I love choosing a word for the year upon which to pray and meditate.   This is a spiritual practice that began long ago with our early church mothers and fathers. The older and wiser monks would guide the young novices to choose a word or phrase which could be received as a form of communication that could be a starting point in growing into a fuller spiritual life. 

In her book, "Desert Fathers and Mothers Early Christian Wisdom Sayings" by Christine Valters Paintner, she offers the explanation of choosing a word or short phrase that could be pondered to nourish and challenge the receiver.   "The word is meant to be wrestled with and slowly grown into."   The author, herself, embraces this practice and often allows nature to give a word to her while she walks.

I have enjoyed challenging myself to this practice for several years now, and I know it has broadened my perspective on how I view myself and interact with those around me.   Allowing space for unpacking the many layers of daily gratitude is special to me.        I, therefore, embrace gratitude with my whole being.

If you have chosen a word or phrase for the year, I would love to hear from you if you wish to share.  If you have never tried this practice then I suggest you might in the future!

I offer gratitude for living near this beautiful beach.   It is peaceful and healing.