Gratitude and Peace

Written by Kendall Bergman

In honor of both World Gratitude Day and World Peace Day, I’ve made a short list of what I’m grateful for and what brings me peace…in no particular order of importance or significance.

• That first cup of coffee in the morning

• The still quiet in the morning

• Sunny and Otis, the poodle dogs

• My older sisters, Kim and Kelley…love those ladies

• My closest friends...you know who you are

• My brother-in-law

• My home

•  A full moon

• An orange and red sunrise

• The ocean

• The mountains

•  A horse

• Wild blackberries

• The smell of snow in the air…thank you, Lorelai Gilmore

• Christmas...the music, the decorations, the birth of Jesus

• The feel of rain on my face

• The taste of the perfect beer…German Kolsch, please

• The sound of laughter from any of my loved ones

• My 2 nieces and 2 nephews

• My 3 great nephews and 7 great nieces

• Remembering my parents

• Experiencing God’s goodness

• The warmth and crackle of a fire on a cold day

• Being loved and loving in return

• The smell of leather and tobacco

• Easter...the bunny, the chocolate, the resurrection of Jesus

• To be seen and known...and to see and know another in return

• The Discovery Well

What are you grateful for today? What brings peace into your life? I encourage you to pause...even for a minute...and reflect. The shift in perspective can improve your overall outlook and provide a dose of hope just when you need it. Peace and gratitude...they just might surprise you.