Today’s blog
Lynn Murphy Mark
Abundance and gratitude
When no burning issue comes to mind, thinking about all the blessings in life seems appropriate. Writing about them helps me to center them in my heart space, sort them out, and express them “out loud”. I have a lot to be grateful for, beginning with Jan’s progress with a new diagnosis of diabetes. She was diagnosed, placed on insulin, told to drastically modify her diet, and keep track of a blood sugar that was all over the map. Since July 7, when she was sent to the hospital with a blood sugar of 730, (normal = 80 – 120), she has managed beautifully. She is now off of all insulin, on pills only, and counting carbs like a pro. In her words, “If I’m going to be a diabetic, I’m going to be the best damn diabetic around!”. Atta girl!!
Because she is feeling better, she is itching to do some traveling. It’s been three years since our last big trip on Holland America’s ship that goes up the New England coast to Canada. The other day she announced that she wants to go to Siesta Key, Florida, a place she used to visit regularly. We looked at schedules – mostly mine – and settled on driving there for Thanksgiving week. We have a recommendation for where to get a fantastic carry-out turkey dinner on the big day. We may drive down to Naples and see a couple of friends if they are around. Otherwise, it’s read books, walk the beach, and give Thanks.
I still don’t know if I will have an immigration job come December. It all depends on the funding. Thankfully, the grant that we apply for each year from the Lutheran Foundation was approved. I haven’t asked if that helps my cause, but I’m choosing to believe that it does. I hope it bodes well for my clients, all 42+ people that live in files inside the cabinets in my cubby. I’ve been working on some of those cases for at least 3 years. Some positive outcomes have happened already – several new US Citizens, several work authorization documents granted, a few Green Cards issued, and some family members approved to come here from overseas. In Immigration work, patience is the best virtue.
My children are well grown up, Ted at 38 and Jackie turning 42 in October. I count them among my biggest blessings. They are good people, they work hard at their careers, and they are in stable, long-term relationships. I think of them at some point every day, maybe just for a quick few seconds. But those little increments of time remind me how much I love and admire them. I have two precious grandsons, both bundles of non-stop energy. At the ages of 4 and 6, they are becoming little world travelers thanks to their parents’ passion for travel. They are on their way to being global citizens, something we need badly these days.
I have the best group of friends that anyone could ask for. They are not all nearby. My people extend from San Francisco to Baltimore, and several places in between. I can’t find the right words to fully express the gifts that come with tried and true friendships. They are sources of love and laughter and companionship. They are soul sisters and brothers, available to extend compassion and support when those are needed. Over the years they have been my best teachers, and I don’t know where I would be without them. Truly, I don’t.
My Unity faith is grounded in the knowledge that we each carry a God spark within, that when we meet another, it is good to notice the divinity in them. Namaste. I have learned that the most powerful force in the Universe is the love of God at work in my life. I’m still learning to act from this place, and I often fail and find myself face down in spiritual dust. But, Unity tells me to keep living the best life I can. Unity tells me that I am surrounded by abundance and that prayer and meditation are the best means of manifesting that abundance.
I could go on, but the word count at the bottom of this page suggests that this would be a good place to stop. To whoever reads this today, blessings upon you and yours. Don’t forget to count them!