I received a nice message today from acquaintances in Australia. We house sat for them while there; they went up to the northern part of the country, we took care of their cats, and it was a win-win.

Full of well wishes, their note acknowledged that 2021 wasn’t the best year, as many hoped back in 2020 when the pandemic started (and when we were last in Australia).

That may well be true, but it’s also important to feel gratitude for the blessings we do enjoy. A simple cleanup of my living space has me thankful for my small home. While tidying up I reflected that I enjoy a life of supreme luxury compared to someone in the 1800’s.

When we find that different perspective, we can feel this true gratitude, and it makes our lives that much better. Because we do enjoy a wonderful existence. We can strive for better, certainly, but we can also remember that it could also be a lot worse.