I am grateful for the gift of optimism.  This great gift allows us to look beyond our proximate circumstances and hope for that which is better.  Optimism keeps us from those pesky negative thoughts and circumstances that might otherwise lead us into discouragement or depression.  Some might dismiss optimism as an unrealistic Pollyanna approach to reality.  But the positive thoughts and energy that result can be life changing.  

I borrowed a friend’s car today.  She was so excited that I had asked her to use the car specifically on this day becuase she had just cleaned it out. Apparently the scattered debris on the driver’s side mat did not even register in her consciousness of optimism.  I love that she could be so excited about her “clean” car and not get hung up on some of the dirty little details.  French fry anyone?

Spend five minutes in the news and you will realize what a blessing it is to live in this country.  I appreciate my beautiful home and neighborhood.  I have many dear friends and many fond memories that have been part of our two decades here.  

For some time now I have been fascinated by clouds. Many days in Las Vegas are clear and cloudless so I appreciate it when we have interesting patterns in our desert sky. I am grateful for clouds.

Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God’s love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence.