Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Gratitude in Little Ways

I recently saw this quote on a placard in a gift store and it has really stuck with me:


"What if you woke up in the morning and only had what you were grateful for yesterday"

That got me thinking in depth for a long time.  A lot of the most influential teachers of our time having been hammering the gratitude concept for a long time now.  Louise Hay and Oprah are two household names who really believe in being grateful for even the smallest things, and the quote above reminded me how deep gratitude can go. I have so much to be grateful for even when the World around seems to be dancing a different dance to what I am used to.

Most of my pondering happens when I'm out hiking with my dogs and camera.  It seems the World can speak to me through my Lens easier this way, the left brain steps back to let the right brain take over for a while. 

How ordinary and often overlooked is this little sparrow?  They are all over the world and they are survivors.  They don't have the pretty plumage of most other species and therefore really don't stand out in a crowd, unless they are in a crowd of their own dominating the bird feeders.  Then they are noticed with irritation for hogging all the feed and not allowing the 'prettier' birds a chance to eat.

White-crowned Sparrow

This little fellow posed for me in a Juniper bush and allowed to take two or three nice pictures before it departed.  What's more Sparrow was so close that I was almost too close to get a clear shot! After reading my quote and pondering it, I thought maybe my just-a-cute-little-sparrow may appreciate my giving it some importance:  officially this is White-crowned Sparrow (juvenile).
At least this is the title us humans have bestowed upon it.

So, little one, thank you for so graciously posing for me and making my day!

I'm linking this to ABC WEDNESDAY.  This week we're up to "W".  Follow the link to more ABC's.

I'm also linking this to Michelle's Nature Notes at the Rambling Woods blog.

12 comments:

Roger Owen Green said...

wonderful philosophy

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Leslie: said...

What does it say in the Bible? Something about if God cares for this little sparrow, how much more does he care for us? Wonderful thoughts for this particular season, especially. Warm wishes for a great Christmas,

Leslie
abcw team

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Personally, I always found the white crowned sparrows to be quite spectacular. They take my breath away.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Such a deep analogy love the sparrow shot.

A writer's mind of a six year old. Have a wonderful holiday!

ChrisJ said...

I love the white crowned sparrow. He certainly is assertive but is also conspicuous. Has a loud song too.

Unknown said...

Amen!

HelenMac
ABC Wednesday Team

photowannabe said...

Great thought for the day.
There is so much to be grateful for. Sometimes its easy to take it for granted.

Rambling Woods said...

Very thoughtful for this time of year. I only see these guys once in a while and am always happy for that... Thank you for linking up to Nature Notes Barb...Michelle

??? said...

Sparrows are such cute little birds. They have become very rare here in Germany and I'm always happy to see them.

Leora said...

Well, I have to like sparrows, because they often hog all the food I put in my bird feeder. We have so many of them.

Your sparrow is handsome.

jane said...

Our sparrows are very noisy - but they are mainly house sparrows - quite prettily marked but not so elegant as your white crowned sparrow - yes we should value what we have and be more grateful what is it they say count your blessings - have a lovely Christmas - Jane UK

eileeninmd said...

Great post. I do not see the White Crowned Sparrow often so it is a treat to see one. Pretty photos I hope you have a great weekend and Happy Holidays!