A little bit richer

I haven't posted much lately, perhaps because I've lost sight of how many remarkable things are happening all around me. It's so easy for perspective to get lost in the midst of the every day comings and goings of life, and I find I am prone to recognize monotony over the happy tender mercies offered so very often to me. Yesterday, as I approached the end of my walk home from work, I was stopped by a group of business men in dress shirts and ties. There is a large construction project in progress next to the student housing complex we live in and the men were asking passers by how likely they would be to eat at a cafe built on that corner. I answered truthfully that I would probably not patronize their establishment unless there were free slushies on Thursday afternoons. I explained that my husband was a full time student and that I worked to support our family. I told them that we are poor newly-weds without the luxury of excess dining out funds. After a question or two more, one of the men pulled a 20 out of his pocket and invited me to take my husband to dinner. I tried hard to refuse the money, and insisted that we ate very well, but he would hear none of it and sent me on my way with a simple "I remember those days".

While receiving $20 from a stranger is hardly an every day occurrence, it made me realize how many things in addition to that kind man I had to be grateful for. I ate lunch outside under a tree. I had a productive (almost pleasant) conversation with a co-worker I've struggled to get along with. I had peanut butter on celery for an afternoon snack. Matthew helped with dinner. We weeded half our garden. After a long, busy day, I fell asleep quite content. I am so grateful for the opportunity to become more aware of all the rich blessings in my life, and hope that I am presented with the chance to help others do the same.