Yesterday afternoon while away from home attending a company meeting in Scranton I had about an hour to sit back and watch the world go by.  I was able to enjoy being outside on a day when the temperature was in the low 80’s.  What a contrast that weather was to the 100+ degree days I head home today in Oklahoma.   The time spent sitting just outside a little coffee shop turned out to be one of those occasions when my mind was still and I was in the moment.  The longer I watched life going on around me the more of a feeling of gratitude came over me. 

Sitting at my sidewalk table in the shade I enjoyed a cup of good, fresh coffee while randomly taking in different things around me.  Sitting by my feet was a new computer bag I was using for the first time on this trip. It was purchased a few weeks ago to replace a tattered bag that has at least 20,000 miles on it. I travel quite a bit and splurged to get a really good bag that will last for years.  It struck me while sitting yesterday at my little momentary corner of the universe there have been times in my life when a month’s rent was less than the purchase price of my new computer bag.  The moment that realization hit me I felt very fortunate that I could afford such a luxury. 

As people walked past I noticed the frowns on many people’s faces.  Here in Northwestern Pennsylvania there are serious economic difficulties and lots of people don’t have jobs or are under employed.  I am certain a few of the people who walked by were suffering a lot from the tough times we live in right now. Watching the parade of people passing by I was struck by how lucky I am to have a good job and a rewarding career.  Many are not blessed so 

At one point a women who looked to be in her 40’s shuffled by slowly using a cane.  It appeared she had either had a stroke or been injured as once side of her body did not seem to function as well as the other.  My eyes became slightly misty for a moment as I watched her struggle along with such great effort.  I felt sorry for her and filled with thankfulness for the good health I enjoy.  I have accumulated my share of aches and pains but nothing major.  Physically I can do most anything I wish to do.  Many don’t have that opulence.  I am grateful that I do. 

Flour or five people who were at least in their 70’s or 80’s shuffled past slowly as they headed to the drug store less than a block away.  There seemed to be two kinds of old folks out yesterday:  the ones who while being old, looked to be in pretty good health with bright eyes and decent mobility.  Then there were the others who moved slowly with great difficulty.  I was reminded I likely have lots of years left and if I continue to take care of myself I will end up as the bright-eyed variety of old people.  A bit of good health is lucky genetics, but a good bit is under my control.  I am glad I have taken care of myself over the years.  Few can guess my age accurately.  I am grateful!

A guy who was probably homeless asked me for spare change as he walked by slowly.  I have never liked loose change in my pockets and was happy to give the pan handler what I had.  He quickly was on his way before the proprietor of the coffee show could notice him.  He did say “thanks.  God bless you” and as I watched him cross the street I wondered what his story was.  How did he end up having to beg?  What had gone wrong in his life? Was he an addict or down on his luck or both?  I wondered what he would use the change for. Silently inside my head I heard the phrase “there but for the grace of God go I” and got goose bumps realizing how good my life is. 

Looking further away across the street I could see the local court-house that appeared to have been redone in recent years.  Seeing the flag out front flapping in the breeze caused me to take momentary stock of my thanks for being an American.  A lot does need to be fixed in this country, but a lot is great about the good ole USA too. 

Halfway down the block what appeared like a group of six or seven college age students were talking and cutting up in front of another sidewalk café.  At least while I watched, no studying was going on although books were laid out on the tables and laptops were out and fired up.  While I sometimes lament letting some of my years behind me get away too fast, watching this group made me glad to have my 20’s long behind me.  Those were painful and difficult years and I am grateful to have them behind me.  

As I grabbed my empty coffee cup and napkin and began walking over to the trashcan to throw them away I knew was in a better mood than when I first sat down.  And my state of mind was pretty good to start with! 

In only about 15 minutes while enjoying the cool afternoon shade I was reminded I have much to be grateful for.  While I truly believe I live with a grateful heart, I also realized I miss a lot because I spent much of my time in the same places, with the same people, doing the same things.  Being in a different environment where my habits were challenged was really good for me yesterday.  Taking a moment to reflect on things I am grateful for always brings me back to center.  

The more I look for things to be thankful for, the more of them I find.  

Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.  Estonian Proverb