Finding Gratefulness Through Tragedy

I was startled out of my peaceful slumber at 5am this morning by the explosive sound of my alarm. Horribly invasive,this waking was much different from the gentle waking of the previous week.  I couldn’t comprehend the idea that spring break was over so soon. From the moment my eyes popped open, I realized that I was in the grip one very nasty attitude. There were so many things on my list that needed to be done. The weather was far too nice for school! My mood didn’t improve as I tripped over a cat. It didn’t help that my egg missed the frying plan, making a huge mess on the floor.

The startling news of the deadly shooting at the community college this morning really affected me. Although I didn’t personally know any of those involved, I  was horrified that anything so tragic could happen in the hometown in which I felt so safe. How many times do we run our errands or go to work or school, believing that we are safe? I suddenly felt guilty that I’d complained about such lofty things just a few hours earlier. I had been too consumed in my bad attitude to be grateful that I was alive. I hadn’t been trapped in a school, terrified of things that could happen. I hadn’t unexpectedly lost my life.

I’ve spent the afternoon reflecting on the past month. I’ve been preoccupied with to-do lists. I’ve been focusing on things that I haven’t done. I haven’t allowed myself to blog lately because I’ve felt that my life has been very unremarkable. But maybe, it’s the unremarkable things in life that can be remarkable, if given the chance. Maybe life is all about attitude.

Although the list of unaccomplished things on my spring break to-do list are a mile long, I realized that my focus should be on the many fantastic things that happened over spring break. ( Apologies for the lack of quality photos….these were just snapped with my iPhone for Instagram!)

An Easter Egg Hunt- There won’t be many more years that my nieces and nephews will excitedly seek eggs. I enjoyed watching the kids tear through our yards, diving for eggs. I enjoyed stealing handfuls of their Easter candy, also. I’d never buy jelly beans just for myself.

Build-A-Bear with My Mother and the Kids- Build-A-Bear isn’t my favorite place on Earth. Because I wanted to spend time with my family, I “sucked it up” and went with them. Build-A-Bear wasn’t nearly as bad as I anticipated, and we had a fantastic lunch afterwards. We even tried on hats in one of the departments stores. My advice? Spend every moment possible with family. Overdose on the good stuff.

Painting the Molding- Although that does’t sound thrilling, I love fresh white paint on molding! Painting the molding reminded me how fortunate I am to have a house, with my family as my neighbors.

A Visit with My In-Laws- Besides the fun of visiting with Ashton’s parents, we did a wine-tasting at Silver Coast Vineyards and we purchased palm trees. Pinch me! Do I really have palm trees in my yard? I vow to spend more time wistfully staring at them.

The Great Outdoors- If I could, I would live outdoors. I watched my nieces and nephew play in the pool that was entirely too cold for me. I picked a fresh bloom off of my rose bush that I haven’t killed yet. We split a pitcher of margaritas. Even Smokey was allowed to frolic in the fenced-in portion of the yard. I did get my fair share of vitamin D, with sunscreen of course.

After today’s tragedy, I vow to appreciate my life…for what it is, or what it isn’t. My life is my own. My next minute isn’t promised and even a bad day is another day in which to be grateful that I am alive.  My deepest prayers and sympathy go to all of today’s families. May God help them find peace and comfort.