“There but by the grace of God go I.”

 

One of my mother’s favorite expressions. There is a lot of wisdom in that phrase. I find myself often quoting her aphorisms. After giving a few dollars to a physically afflicted young man this past weekend, I was heard my mother's words again. I shared with my daughter the words and wisdom of the grandmother she never knew.  

            

It might have been me who was the one disabled or otherwise afflicted, instead of that young man on the street. But for some reason, it is not me, but him. I want to be grateful it is not me and offer up a prayer of comfort and blessing on him and the others I see in suffering as I pass through my days. Indeed, one day it might be, and likely will be me.

            

My mother's words always help me be reminded of my own great good fortune, to be healthy and strong, of sound mind and body, and blessed in so many ways in life, family and business. As a family we have our share of challenges, and then some, and yet they are nothing compared to those afflictions and burdens borne by so many others in so much of the world.  

As a business we have our share of challenges, as well, but we are here to fight the good fight another day. We are in business today with the hope of survival through these difficult times and the dream of spectacular successes to come. 

 

It seems impossible to keep in mind that state of gratitude on a daily basis. I believe that gratitude is the wellspring of happiness. Humans are in a constant state of desire, striving for more, never satisfied, never enough. This is one of the great characteristics that propel Mankind forward to explore the Cosmos, the depths of the oceans, to create the new and different and better. I suppose it is what compels us to do what we do, compels me to do what I do each day. 

            

Without gratitude, there can be no happiness. To be happy, one must have a grateful heart, and the ability to be greatful each day for the myriad blessings large and small that we enjoy, simply by being alive on this earth. 

 

< Previous Page

 

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment