gratitude – From the Desk of Pennwell Gray

It’s a Winter Wonderland

As the snow falls outside the window, I can’t help but be reminded that winter will soon be behind us. The clocks sprung ahead last Sunday morning while we slept, and the days have grown longer. Birds chirp as dawn breaks and the geese that fly overhead in the evening have clocked in an hour later than usual. Spring is in the air.

Winter is one of my favorite seasons, second only to autumn and some days bumps to the front of the line. Those days are days just like this, when the world seems to stop and most people are nestled inside of their warm homes, working, playing, reading, cooking, baking, or doing nothing at all.

For those in the New England area, even if you are not a lover of the cold or snow, I encourage you to take a few minutes today and marvel in its the majestic force that is Mother Nature. Watch the snowflakes fall, each one unique in its own way – just like us. Take in the beauty, if just for a moment, rather than anger at the burden of shoveling and inconvenience. There’ll be plenty of time for that.

Then close your eyes and let gratitude fill you. Gratitude that you are reading this from a warm place with a roof over your head. Gratitude that we live in a locale where the seasons change and offer us something new and exciting four times each year. Gratitude for simply waking up this morning.

And join me in thanking all of those who keep us safe, protect us, and serve our communities – those who brave any weather, work the nights and holidays, and who don’t have the luxury of taking snow days: DPW workers, police, fire, paramedics, EMTs, nurses, doctors, and more; as well as those who have no place to place to call home.

Quote of the day.

“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” – Will Arnett

Quote of the day.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” -G.K. Chesterton

Quote of the day.

“Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack so we might see the blessings we possess.” – Max Lucato

Thank you …

Honoring our females who have served in our armed forces on this Women Veterans Day in the U.S.

Quote of the day.

The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them. – Paulo Coelho

Quote of the day.

It’s Armed Forces Day in the states. Thank you to our men and women who serve in the US Army, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force, US Coast Guard and our National Guard – and their families. We appreciate, honor and respect you.

“America without her Soldiers would be like God without His angels.” — Claudia Pemberton

Little losses. Big impact.

Just shy of two years ago, I committed to this blog and posted my first daily thought, point to ponder and soulful reflection.

It was about a neighbor who isn’t aware of the impact he has on our lives. He is a staple in our neighborhood and when the nice weather arrives, if he’s not sitting outside in his comfy chair, taking in the fresh air, the day is not the same. When we walk or drive by, his wave is filled with warmth and friendliness. We have come to depend on him to lift our spirits and bring a smile to our faces.

It’s National Police Week. Please join me in thanking and backing our men and women in blue.

The public outrage against law enforcement astounds me. It feels as if overnight cops went from being viewed as highly respected heroes who were revered, to despicable humans who are hated and feared.

Blasphemous.

Yes, there are some unscrupulous cops – and priests, doctors, firefighters, nurses, politicians, retail workers, corporate sharks and more. Human beings come in all shapes and sizes, pious and evil. Yet the few bad apples do not spoil the bunch. The number of upstanding individuals in all walks of life far outweigh the number of crooked ones. But a lot of people seem to have forgotten that – and actually hail criminals.

Appreciate the blue because they protect you. When everyone else is fleeing a violent scene, they’re rushing in to help. They don’t know who you are, if you’re armed or not, if you have a record or not. They don’t know what they’re walking into when they take that call and they deal with some harrowing situations – situations that take a heck of a lot more than a social worker. They put their lives on the line for citizens every day – and now they have to worry about being shot at when walking a beat just because they’re cops or turned away from local coffee shops because ‘they make others feel uncomfortable’. What are we becoming as a society?

Yes, there are some unscrupulous ones – few and far between the exceptional, brave and selfless law enforcement officers who put their rear ends on the line for us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

I back the blue.

When I meet a young man or woman signing on to protect and serve today, I say a prayer and do a double God bless. When I hear children say they want to be police officers when they grow up, my heart both breaks and fills with gratitude – as well as hope.

I back the blue.

How about you?

Thank you isn’t enough for the men and women in blue. To each of you, may God or your higher power of choice always be with you and keep you safe so that you will safely return to your loved ones, day after day, then come home at the end of your final shift.

To all Fir Na Dli (men of law) – may we be reminded that ‘men’ today encompasses both men and women, the brotherhood and the sisterhood – the canines, too: THANK YOU. Please know that there are a countless number of us who appreciate, back and support you.

Stay safe.

Where are our priorities?

As I woke to greet another day, my foggy mind reflected immediately upon how fortunate we are.

No bombs. No gun shots. No buildings burning to the ground. No immediate fear for our lives, wondering where we will go or most importantly – will we live to have another moment.