Thankful Thursday: Roller Skates, Snow Shovels and Lentil Soup.

Mid-February...it happens pretty much every year. I get that blah, sort of uninspired feeling. It lingers, wavering, dodging in and out of my spirit until signs of Spring appear...or by chance something like today happens. And I know that this is my chance...my chance to pull myself up...to climb out of this dreary state in an enheartened leap of self-motivation.

I went roller-skating today. Well, really I walked around the roller-rink in soft-soled sneakers helping kindergarteners learn to balance on those tricky little boots with wheels. I held my own daughter's hands and pulled her around on the wooden floor for the first time. I pulled her up when she fell and cheered her on when she bravely set out balancing on her own. The time we spent together was special and we'll both remember it. But the moments of connection and care with many of the other little souls in my daughter's class broadened my heart and made me more certain of the connection we all share on this journey. In Mother Teresa's words, "Children belong to everyone." In the deepest sense, we all belong to each other...and we need each other. There is not a sweeter face than that of a child who senses the genuine care of a kind adult...it is also easy to spot the ones who crave that care.

I shoveled snow, too. Some people dread snow-shoveling...but I love it...honest. The cool, crisp air and rewarding exercize is always invigorating. I've never finished shoveling snow without feeling a sense of accomplishment and over-all well-being. Does that sound crazy? This activity not only gives me a physical boost, but I always feel mentally and spiritually refreshed, too. It must be the quiet repetitive nature of it. Today, as I finished shoveling the driveway and sidewalk, a light powdery blanket started to cover the area I had already cleared. I may have looked a little silly out shoveling while more snow was covering my work, but I was reminded of the beauty of repetition in carrying out our daily tasks and finding the holy in the common.

After warming up inside, dinner was calling. The current lack of inspiration has effected me in the kitchen, too. I don't mind cooking so much...I really enjoy it when I actually have a plan and everything I need to execute it. Naturally, I don't dig the clean-up. But tonight sweet Sophie has the symptoms of a cold coming on and one of her favorites is Lentil Stew with Lemon...a simple meal, but perfect winter comfort food with a loaf of crusty fresh bread.

"For all that has been: thanks. For all that will be: yes."

~Dag Hammarskjöld~