Friday, November 23

Enjoying Support: Making a Happy Innkeeper ......11/23/12

Gratitudes for Friday:
1. I received tremendous support from
several advisers today regarding my work.  I am thankful for the encouragement, practical wisdom and concern they offered.
2.  I was happy being with my youngest son as he purchased a new bike, here in Alameda.  It came in this week.  The cycle shop, Alameda Bicycle, had it ready for him.  For those looking for a good deal, go there. If you buy a new bike, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, free tire repairs, fittings (adjustments), and wheel truings (if your wheel gets bent out of shape).   Wow!
3.   Two of my sons and I
cycled in Alameda this evening, taking the new steel steed for a test ride.  What he got is magnificent and a beauty. I'll stick with mine, however.
       Pablos Jr. and Sr. rode along, while my youngest son----Josiah----got acquainted with his new set of wheels.  The wind was bracing. But the adventure, rolling through the streets of this island city as a threesome delighted this father's heart, even though I blew out a tire. That was no big deal. It allowed us to spend more time talking, as we walked through town with my deflated bike.  (You know I'm an optimist, there should be no surprise, there.)
4. Afterwards, my sons and I hung out at a local Starbucks.  Their being present----attending to what I shared----provided warmth and acceptance that was priceless.  Normally they do the talking.  Lately I've been preoccupied with additional opportunities for work, the result of speaking last Saturday.
5. I'm meeting with friends tomorrow morning.  I've haven't seen them in several weeks---I've been working the past few Saturdays.  I enjoy the inspiration and community we share when I'm with them.
6. I'll be presenting additional features to this inn in the near future. I enjoy the work related growth I'm experiencing.
7. I appreciate your prayers.  I'm weathering through many different demands. Your prayers help. Thanks!
How About You?
What are the three gratitudes you have for today? Keep posting!  

5 comments:

Carl H said...

Dear Innkeeper,

Today I am grateful for;

1. Beautiful, unseasonably warm weather for the SF Bay Area this time of year.

2. Precious time in the morning to sleep-in, pray, reflect and plan my day.

3. Fruitful research into finding repair parts for a beloved wood-burning stove that heats our home during cold, rainy, winter weather.

4. Being put in the position late in the day, to apply healthy principles above the vulnerable parts; character flaws in my own personality.

5. When faced with news of a work-related error, instead of overwhelming panic, I was able to call someone for perspective, "stop and think," pray for "Serenity," and consider all options.

6. With "acceptance," I could avoid over-reaction, own the error, apologize and find some ideas for reconciliation.

7. To be with my wife, son, and some friends at a monthly dinner,and hear speakers share their stories of challenge and recovery, strength and hope for healing.

8. A safe harbor like this Inn where we can take refuge from the tempests of daily life, have a warm bowl of home-made soup, a mug of cider, sit in that overstuffed, old, leather chair by the crackling fire, and share adventures of the heart with an old friend!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Today I am grateful for:

1. The fact that I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family

2. That I didn't get trampled on Black Friday

2. The upcoming Christmas season!!

Carl H said...

Today, Sunday, I am grateful for...

1. The refreshing yet mysterious Bay Area fog that shrouded my brief neighborhood walk this morning and drive to church.

2. An uplifting sermon about the meaning of words; choosing them wisely and using them to encourage, uplift and enrich our spiritual atmosphere by speaking about gratitude, appreciation and hope.

3. The chance for this "water sign" to exercise in the cold and hot waters of life.

4. A family dinner table discussion with we parents, three adult sons and two friends sharing, each in very different ways, the three things they are most grateful for...a belated Thanksgiving tradition.

5. The chance to catch some of a funny movie this evening, with my sons downstairs in the "man cave."

Pablo said...

Dear Carl (you still are mindful, aren't you?),

Thank you for the amazing consistency you display---routinely posting your gratitudes here, in this inn. As innkeeper of this inn I'm duly authorized to award you with the Attitude of Gratitude Award for the MONTH.

Kudos to you. You definitely brighten this corner of cyberspace with your songs of gratitude, praise and hope. May your tribe increase!

I admire how you are placing principles above your personality. That is character growth, big time.
What was the topic at the monthly dinner you attended?

I love your description of your home. You definitely sound blessed. The sermon you heard is something I would have benefited from. I love how you, your loved ones and two friends blessed your home, recalling your gratitudes. Wow

Have a terrific week!

Pablo said...

Keith,

I always enjoy your stays at the inn. I bet you enjoyed the closeness you had with your family.

How was the atmosphere in the stores, when you shopped? Isn't it fascinating how what was originally a season for celebrating Christ's birth has become a mad time, where materialism is exalted?

I wish you a merry Christmas Season!

Quotes from the Posts

"I'm mindful that our thoughts affect the words we use, our words influence our actions, our actions shape our character and our character determines our destiny."

From "My Character Determines My Destiny." To read it, please click here.

"Progress not perfection, is better than no progress at all, especially when we're trying to rid ourselves from unwelcome dragons that dwell within the closets of our soul."

From, "Still Learning" which, within four days, became the most popular post
written. To read it, please click here.

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its trouble, but it does empty today of its strength"
From the post: "Life Is Not a Correspondence Program." Click here to read it.

"Even though we cannot control our circumstances, we can control how we choose to respond to them."

From, "Handling Stress and Dealing With an Emotional Bully."Click here to read this post.

"Nope, being busy isn't exciting. Boring is good. Because boring is not boring; boring is being healthy, living a balanced life that has serenity"

From: "Do You Know What It Means If You Are Too Busy?" For more, please click here.

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