Do you ever stop to think how amazing you are as an individual?  The fact that you and I exist is a miracle in itself.  Then, imagine, the billions of people across this spinning orb called earth, and how all of us are unique and special.  It is an awesome wonder!

We can attribute the beginning of our being to creation, the big bang theory, spontaneous generation or evolution.  Seems fairly silly that you and I were spontaneously created.  How out of nothingness did the universe appear without the assist of someone greater than this fantastic world?  If you’ve been reading along my blog for a while, you’re aware of me being a follower of Jesus Christ, who put skin on to redeem us all. Maybe that’s too weird for you.  I get it.  Maybe you can’t wrap your head around that concept. That’s okay. Whatever you place your belief in, the art of being grateful is universal.

As peculiar as things may get – political rhetoric, senseless violence, natural disasters, etc. – the miracle of being, living, existing, experiencing life itself, is overwhelmingly mind-blowing.  I recognize that I live a life of privilege where I can worship, purchase and choose in freedom.  Everyday I am grateful.  We don’t know why we were chosen to be here.  Regardless, we have been given a gift to experience an outrageous adventure called life.  How are you curating the gift?

Living a life of thankfulness allows eyes to be open to opportunity. When we are relaxed, things are drawn to us.  When we’re angry or sullen, body language tightens and barriers are created.  Are you a ball of nerves or are you living with arms wide open? 

If we choose to live in anger, fear, or resentment, we instinctively tense up.  When we tense up, our body becomes hardened, inflexible and brittle.  Our stance is no longer inviting. Our eyes become clouded with doubt; we can generate a perpetual state of defensiveness and disbelief.

Living the arms wide-open life welcomes an abundance of goodness in – light, joy, blessings, people – God’s goodness.  Picture a funnel – wide at the top, narrow at the bottom.  It allows an abundance to pour in.  I’m not naïve thinking I can avoid disappointment or that life won’t throw me a curve ball once in a while.  However, when I live a grateful life, I’m living with my eyes wide open to see opportunity in the unexpected.  Living with arms open, also allows the goodness from within you to affect the world around you.  Give your gifts generously.

Today, I am grateful for my husband, family, friends, health, provision, creativity, love, the capacity to feel the feels, wonders of nature and Lord above who blessed me…and you…with this extraordinary experience of life.

What’s on your list of living a grateful life today?