Gratitude is Not Enough
The pandemic, and protests for racial justice, coupled with an elemental fear of the other leading to the insurrection on January 6 have led many of us to examine our station in life and question the order of things.
Despite the social upheaval, and perhaps because I see the delineation between the haves and the have nots more clearly than before, I have one overarching feeling at this time; one of gratitude.
Gratitude is a surprisingly easy state of mind when things are going your way. And indeed, I am thankful for many things. I’m recently married to a wonderful woman. My job is stable, and I’ve been able to work from home. I’ve had very little risk of exposure while corona virus is raging. Telecommuting saves time and money. My meditation has become regular again, and my bank account inches up at a steady rate.
When I visit with someone I haven’t seen in a while and they ask ‘How are you doing?’ My response is that I have nothing to complain about; I am extremely lucky and secure. And I am grateful.
I have been examining gratitude ever since I met my wife three years ago. I’ve felt for a long time that relationships shouldn’t have to be hard. Yes, to be there for another requires effort, intention, and follow through, but there should be ease and grace as well. And I’ve found that.
