Arie, my little black Yorkie Poodle, was given to me just a bit over three years ago. She was about one year old at the time. That means that three of her four years she has been under my care, surrounded by my love. Tonight, she not only came and sat on my lap, a rare gift, she rolled over, belly up, totally relaxed, allowing me to scratch her tummy and rub her ears. The moment did not go unnoticed. I have wanted her to be a cuddler and a snuggler. She has declined almost each and every invitation. She loves to be fed, to be walked, to be played with– just don’t get familiar. Sitting there, with Arie choosing me, filled me with gratitude.

   Many times in every day I seek to see the good and give thanks. I think of the young man on the electric scooter… One day as he approached me, on the sidewalk, with a passenger and neither wearing helmets, I simply drew my dog right close to my side, paused, and asked him/them to not use the sidewalk. The abrupt reply– “I was born in this country” took me by surprise. It was not who they were, it was that they should not be riding on a walking path. Needless to say, that day they stood their course. Just a few days later, almost a complete repeat. Arie and I were walking, on the sidewalk, the same young man approaching– this time without a passenger. Again, I drew Arie close, and simply stood still. He made eye contact and swerved onto the grass while passing us. I was able to say thank you, whether it was heard or not. And I was filled with gratitude that the request of an old lady had been considered.

   The neighbour across the back lane takes time to mow the unfenced portion of my back yard. This is a bit of give and take for they often need to use part of my property when using their back yard entrance. They understand the property line, understand that I could be a stinker, and they carefully, regularly mow what I call the back forty. And I am filled with gratitude that neighbours can be neighbourly.

   There are nights that I fight with sleep. Trust me, I court her! A darkened, cool room. Limited screen time before retiring, no visible clock, only one small flickering LED light on my night noise gizmo. The ceiling fan on low, the window ajar as long as the season allows, regular routine. Trust me, I’m trying! And then there is the morning that I am amazed that I have slept well. The day is filled with casual accomplishments. It’s not an effort to think or do. And I am so very filled with gratitude! I do not, ever, take a good night’s sleep for granted.

   The faith I hold dear fills me with daily thanksgiving, the greatest thanksgiving. The God who created me holds me from my first breath to my last breath, for my days were known before my being and I will be known always. And I am filled with gratitude in this assurance of being loved.