Sitting in Mass on Sunday, my youngest was playing with the bracelet I was wearing and he noticed it said something on one of the links. He read it quietly to me, “Each day is a gift from God.” “That’s true mommy,” he said in his little six year old voice. I looked down at the bracelet, smiled at my son and thought of my friend Stacey Potts whom I had received the bracelet from several years before.

A few days later, as I was watering all the various flowers we have, I admired how beautiful my hydrangeas are right now. This particular plant has a special place in my heart. Not only is it one of my favorite flowers, but a group of 2^nd graders that I taught Religious Ed to a few years ago gave me the gift card I used to purchase it. Each morning as I water it and enjoy its blooms I think of the months we spent together preparing for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Their faith was strong and inspiring to me. Sharing such an important experience with the children is a real blessing in my life.

As I came back inside the house I remembered Darby Jr. playing with the bracelet from my friend Stacey and I thought of the pretty flowers outside. These were both gifts of gratitude from people I love. I take time each day to thank God for the things and people that I am grateful for, but how awesome is it to stop to think of the wonderful friends and family that take time to show in some special way how grateful they are for me?!?

My friend Angie Milki who lives in Canada was so touched by a birthday gift I sent to her that upon arriving home from work one afternoon, she saw the gift waiting at her front door and took out her camera. She proceeded to make a YouTube video to thank me…WOW…how cool is that?!? What a blessing it is to know that I have touched someone’s life in a way that they would feel gratitude towards me and make such an awesome gesture to show their appreciation.

At the end of the day, the impact we have on others is really all that matters. I want to live the kind of life that makes a positive difference in the lives of others each and everyday. I haven’t ever heard someone speak of someone that was deceased and remark on all the cool toys they acquired throughout their life, I’ve only heard people speak of the kindness and joy the person showed others.

The way we treat each other is the true measure of our character. I pray at the end of each day that I will be a blessing to others and I thank God for all the amazing people he has blessed me with.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

-Maya Angelou

 

Each day is a gift from God, show your gratitude and reach out to the people you encounter, show them kindness, be inspiring, and share your gifts with the world!