Showing some gratitude

I've been reminded several times from several sources lately that I made a personal vow to be a more positive person this year and a big part of that for me is remembering to be grateful.  By that I mean grateful for right now, for what's happening right where I am in this moment.  Since reading this post by Rona Roberts several weeks ago, I can't stop thinking about how fortunate I am to be where I am at this time in my life and how much I have to be grateful for.  I'm not thinking of the quantity of things in my life, of which I believe there are quite likely too many.  Rather I'm thinking more about the quality of my life.  I'm fortunate to be reasonably healthy, which when considering the fact that I've already outlived both of my parents, is not something I take for granted.  The abundance of this time of year, in the garden and around the farm, can sometimes incline me to complaining, rather than being grateful, so I'm trying to remember to take time every day to be thankful for all the positives in my life.

Look closely at that rather inadequate photograph above and you will see plenty of green grass, green trees and fat ewes.  It's the end of July in a southern countryside and we are rarely ever this lush and enjoying these pleasant temperatures at this point in the yearly cycle of farm life.  That's just one of the things I want to remember when the natural order of things brings heat, humidity, no rain and anxiousness to my days.