Surprisingly Ordinary

"Only if there is beauty in us can we recognize beauty elsewhere: beauty knows beauty.  In this way, beauty can be a mirror that manifests our own beauty.  This has little to do with narcissism or self-absorption.  To achieve a glimpse of inner beauty strengthens our sense of dignity and grace.  The glimpse ennobles us; it helps awaken and refine our reverence for the intimate eternal that dwells in us.  Yet the recognition of another person's beauty can sometimes induce envy and a sense of inferiority.  When we succumb to envy, we have become blind to ourselves.  In the end, the truth is surprisingly ordinary - that there is beauty in every life regardless of how inauspicious, dull or hardened its surface might seem."
--John O'Donohue, from "Beauty"


Things I am thankful for today:

1.  A quiet day at the office - easy to get lots done!
2.  Completed projects.
3.  Willing helpers.
4.  Praying with a friend.
5.  A visit from Woods, a beautiful visla (dog).
6.  A wonderfully fun group of women at our "Conspiracy of Kindness" group tonight!
7.  The beautiful ways people are sharing their stories.
8.  The hubby having dinner ready for me when I got home at 8pm.  What a sweetie!
9.  A baby we've been praying for was re-united with his adoptive family today!  Woo-hoo!
10.  My hubby.