Deo Gratias

 "If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough." - Meister Eckhart

Colleen, from her inspiring blog Thoughts on Grace, hosts this wonderful meme each Wednesday. She says, "Deo Gratias is Latin for Thanks be to God. Remembering to give thanks for all of our blessings, big & small, helps us to find God in our everyday moments and gives us an attitude of gratitude!"

Each week, I join Colleen in remembering & sharing the many blessings in my life. This is such a great exercise for me, helping me to focus on the good that truly is happening in my life, no matter how many trials & stresses I may have.


1) HandyGramps asked (& received) my permission to use my recent blog post on Receiving Christ in the Eucharist for his homily this coming weekend, the Feast of the Body & Blood of Christ. He also submitted it to their church's monthly newsletter. Deo Gratias!


2) I had a busy weekend because I picked up extra hours at work on Fri. & Sun. Thankfully the working hours went fast & I was back w/ family in what seemed like just a matter of time. Deo Gratias! 
 
3) I received kindness from five strangers last Friday when my van wouldn't start. Also, I remained calm & just went w/ the flow instead of getting angry. Deo Gratias!


4) Laughter...it always brings me joy to be able to laugh & have fun w/ my family, esp. those times w/ HelpfulGrammy when she gets into one of her laughter fits! Deo Gratias!

5) The Princess was so excited to go to church on Sunday, now that she is able to receive Christ in the Eucharist. She also taught The Saint how to go up to the altar w/ his arms crossed over his chest, since he's not old enough yet. Deo Gratias!

Light in the Darkness - The Kindness of Strangers

Welcome to my Light in the Darkness meme! (If you missed my post on the inspiration for this meme, you can read all about it HERE.)

This is the place to share good things that are happening in our world...whether it's a link to a news article/video, something from your personal experience...anything good that can bring light into darkness!

*************

Today I want to share the kindness I received from five strangers this past Friday. 

I decided to take a trip to Lowes for some topsoil, so that I could finish planting my seeds. This was to be a quick trip since Lowes is just five minutes from our home. I arrived home two & a half hours later, after the van refused to start up in their parking lot, meeting two different AAA roadside assistance drivers, & a trip to the closest Chrysler dealership. 

While waiting in Lowes parking lot w/ my parents (who met me there), I encountered several people who showed me that kindness DOES indeed still exist among strangers. 

The first was from the first AAA employee. After we found that the battery & starter were fine, he called for a tow truck. As we were transferring my bags of topsoil & sand to my parents' car, he stepped over & helped us.

While we waited for the tow truck, three Lowes customers came over (at different times) to ask if we needed assistance or a jump. As we'd already found out, the van was beyond jumping!

Once the tow truck driver arrived, the first thing he had me do was try to start it so he could hear what it sounded like. Well, it started right up! I decided to keep it running & take it straight to the dealership. He said that was a good idea & that he would follow me to make sure I made it there w/out stalling. At the dealership, he pulled in behind me & got out to offer a few other suggestions (because he has a 2000 version of our van), gave me his card, & made sure that I had a ride back home. (My parents met me there). Now that's going above & beyond the service call, in my opinion!

I am so thankful for the people God placed in my life Friday to help me out.

"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."

Scott Adams (1957), Creator Of Dilbert Comic Strip