Gratitude

Today I am feeling particularly grateful. It is a beautiful morning. The weather feels more like spring than winter. After I got up this morning my Beagle was begging me to go outside. So, we went for a short walk. It was really very pleasant and I just felt so privileged to live in my neighborhood. I live on a one-way street in a valley near the downtown area but there's no traffic sound. My walk was so quiet except for the sound of church bells in the distant. The bells were actually playing a very pleasant song that I had heard before, but I couldn't remember the words. The church is about four or five blocks away and is one of the most architecturally beautiful churches in the city. The city I live in is known for it's many art deco buildings and this church is one that is a historical gem.

In this grateful mindset, I started to think that not only is my neighborhood quiet I also feel so safe here. I have to owe that to having really great neighbors and knowing all of them personally. Everybody helps each other out without worrying about if they're going to get the favor paid back. It always seems to work out, though, that if we (my boyfriend and I) do a favor for one of our neighbors, if we ever need anything at some point someone will help us out.

One of my neighbors and I were talking last night about this very thing. He said it was so convenient that if he's out of something, he doesn't have to go to the store. He can just go to one of the neighbors and borrow it. In fact, in my kitchen I have a table I put dishes that aren't mine that seemed to make their way to my house so my neighbors can see them when they come over and claim them. I just love our little community.

So, today I offer a prayer of thanks for the people that live next to me and my quiet, safe little neighborhood.