Merville

A few days ago I shared on Facebook a video by Louie Schwartzburg, an award-winning cinematographer, director, and producer on Gratitude. (For those who missed it here it is). Well today I took this photo of a man many of my friends would know as Merville. Now Merville wouldn't tell you but he has been on his journey though life along many ups and downs. Well in the later part of his life has been more down than up but he always puts his trust in God. Merville would not think twice in serving and helping others without much care for himself. And sitting with him this evening made me think of the narrative read in the video linked above by an old man while images taken by Louie of God's glory unfolding.

Do you think this is not just another day in your life? It is not just another day; it's the one day that is given to you, today. It is given to you, it's a gift. It is the only gift that you have right now and the only appropriate response is gratefulness.

If you do nothing else but to cultivate, that response to the great gift that this unique day is, if you learn to respond as if it were the first day in your life and the very last day, then you will have spent this day very well.

Begin by opening your eyes and being surprised by that you have eyes that you can open. That incredible array of colours that is constantly offered to us for pure enjoyment. Look at the sky. We so rarely look at the sky. So rarely, note how different it is from moment to moment with clouds coming and going. We just think of the weather. And even with weather we don’t think of all the many nuances of weather. We just think of good weather and bad weather. This day right now, this unique weather, maybe a kind that will never exactly in that form come again. The formation of clouds in the sky will never be the same that is right now. Open your eyes look at that.

Look at the faces of people we meet. Each one has a incredible story behind their face. A story that you could never fully fathom. Not only their own story but the story of their ancestors, only goes back so far. And in this present moment, on this day, all the people you meet, all that life from generations and from so many places over the world, flows together and meets you here, like a life giving water if only you open your heart and drink.

Open your heart to, the incredible gift that civilization gives to us. You flip a switch and there's electric light. You turn a facet and there's warm water and cold water. And drinkable water. A gift that millions and millions in the world will never experience. And these are just a few of an enormous number gifts to which we can open your heart. So wish you can open your heart to all these blessings and let them flow through you. That everyone who you meet today will be blessed by you. Just by your always, by your smile, by your touch, just by your presence. Let the gratefulness overflow into blessing all around you and then it would really be a good day.