What Does It Look Like? - Mindful Appreciation

What Does It Look Like? - Mindful Appreciation

Who and what we love defines us. —Alexandra Stoddard

THE ECONOMY STINKS; grocery prices are up; stock values are down.

The world is at war; children are starving; our ice caps are melting. Things have gotten so bad I feel like I need to take an antidepressant before I turn on the news.

But I don’t want Ava to see me negatively influenced by what’s wrong in the world. When it comes to mindful appreciation, I want Ava to see that the things we should be most grateful for, the things that bring us the most joy—are things that have nothing to do with the economy, our jobs, crime, or even the weather. I was reminded of this lesson last year by two little sweethearts in California.

While I was visiting with my girlfriend Stacie and her husband, Lewis, we sat down for a beautifully prepared dinner. The children sat patiently waiting for their dad to come to the table and ask the discussion question of the evening. That night’s question was, “Girls, what are you most thankful for today?” Caroline, age six, and Samantha, age four, both exclaimed that they were most thankful that Aunt E had come to visit them. As they went on to ask the blessing for the food, they extended mindful appreciation for the people, not the things, in their lives.

From “out of the mouth of babes” I was reminded that we can’t buy happiness—we can’t even rent it. So why do we allow the negativity of the world or work or life situations to rob us of appreciation for the things that really do bring us personal joy? Inspired by those two giggly cherubs, I started my personal joy list on the plane ride home:

1. Listening to music

2. Sitting outside (when it’s not 106 degrees)

3. Crocheting a gift

4. Laughing with my friends

5. Watching the sun set

6. Enjoying a delicious glass of iced tea

And the list goes on . . . Because there is so much in our world that’s not right, I believe we must be extra diligent to observe all the things in our lives that are right. We must acknowledge those things and people that bring us true joy.

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. (Psalm 103:1-2)

So what will mindful appreciation look like to Ava? A long list of blessings that Sugar adds to every day. And what do you think my blessing number 199 is? Holding Ava while she sleeps.