On Gratitude

Summer is certainly a season of wonder! Everywhere one looks, we see new leaves, new blossoms, new fruits. From day to day the landscape and garden change. The varied greens of the spring trees give way to a forest of dark green. Flowers burst forth in garden and roadside in a grand display of color. And it is not just eyes that are awakened. Ears also are on alert — frogs croak on the evening pond, hummingbird wings whir as they zoom in for a sunset cocktail, and a platoon of bees buzz through the lavender and milkweed. Indeed, the earth is a feast for all the senses. Soft grass tickles the toes as tiny fingers pluck leaves that are smooth or soft and fuzzy. Pungent mint and delicate roses offer their perfumes. What about the taste of July's first tomatoes and sweet corn dripping with butter!

Unless one is totally consumed by some unexpected sorrow or overwhelmed by the practicalities and responsibilities of parenting young children, it is almost impossible to be oblivious to the wealth of sense impressions offered by the earth in midsummer. She gives freely with no expectation of receiving anything in return, nourishing our bodies and souls. As hearts are drawn out into the world of nature, we are stirred by the beauty and wonder of it all — from the barely visible tiny red spider, to a glorious orange sunset and perhaps if we are lucky a late afternoon thunderstorm followed by a rainbow. There is no limit to the wonders of the world in summer.

The young child is at one with this world in summer, drinking in its beauty and wonder, like a thirsty sponge, as food for body and soul. The baby sits on the beach contentedly pouring sand from one hand to another, the toddler gathers pockets of pebbles as the three-year-old jumps, hops, runs, twirls, and rolls over the ground. Wonder and delight abound!

As adults our responsibilities can often have us moving through this wonderful world without taking in the wonder and beauty of it all. However, making moments to slow down and move at the same speed as the little ones gives not only the opportunity to appreciate nature’s gifts but also a moment to give back for the wonder and beauty we have received. We can offer gratitude for what has been so generously given.

Occasionally one can make this mood of gratitude more concrete for ourselves and for our children by actually saying the words of gratitude aloud. While walking through the garden or along the shore, "Thank you, birds, for your beautiful songs." "Thank you, little brown toad for hopping in my yard. I am happy you like living in my garden." "Wow! What a golden butterfly!" Or joining arms with your children around a tree and saying, "Thank you, tree, for giving us shade." These words of wonder will connect you with your children for they too are experiencing the wonder and delight of the natural world. At the same time your words will model for them a feeling of gratitude for all that is received. Supporting your children in developing this mood of gratitude is a gift to them for their whole lives.

For us as adults fostering this attitude of gratitude can be a support beyond the garden walls. As we go through our days, the sense of gratitude for what we receive and what comes to us can offer respite from our daily tasks and challenges. A sense of peace and well-being can begin to permeate our inner lives.

After describing a midsummer lightning storm, Mary Oliver in her poem "Sometimes" offers to us a doorway into gratitude.

Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

Enjoy the wonder and delights of July with your family!