MY YEAR OF GRATITUDE

At the beginning of 2016 I chose the word Gratitude as a focus for the year, and today I reread my journal of quotes, scripture, and my own thoughts and I felt so enriched.

Each morning begins at the breakfast table and right outside the window stands a Japanese Maple tree which in winter looks bleak and bare following its brilliant crimson foliage of autumn. There the scribbles began and I personalized the word GRATITUDE

GOD'S RICHES ACKNOWLEDGED TODAY IN TRUDY'S USUAL DAILY EVENTS

WINTER GRATITUDE TREE

Coffee mug steams in my hands and

I stare through glassy panes -

the tree always before my face,

morning rituals so ordinary.

Sparkling raindrops hang precariously like tears

while gnarled fingers cup the golden sun

warm life infusing limbs to roots.

Last seasons shrivelled leaves hang on threads, waiting,

waiting like unanswered prayers -

A wisp of air carries leaf down to snowy bed

whispering thanks.

My gratitude tree transforms my souls gaze

every morning thereafter,

no longer just a Maple.

Trudy Peters 

2016

Now at the end of the year I saw my glass ball which hangs at the front door, with a new perspective as through it I saw my gratitude tree mimicking it's beautiful colours. The tree in the ball is the 'tree of creativity' and I give thanks for the joy I have in capturing images and piecing together humble words.

This morning, December 31st, I read these words in 2 Corinthians 5; " For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then in exchange he poured God's goodness into us."
That grace and goodness poured into me every day is the fuel to give me purpose, to live in hope and to acknowledge God with gratitude in my everyday life.  I desire faith, a soul gaze - a way of seeing God in everything, to focus, to be in the present until I see God's glory and give thanks.