There are so many special days for this or that – did you know that 19 September is ‘Speak like a pirate day’) – that I thought today should be ‘Gratitude Day’;  time to give thanks for great and small mercies,  especially those from unexpected quarters.

‘…give thanks in all circumstances…’ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (part), the Book

Those who know me, will know that I had a ‘skirmish’ with oesophageal cancer nine years ago. At the time of the diagnosis, I found things to be grateful for – amongst the angst, worry, bewilderment and fear [I really am no ‘superhero’, invulnerable to negativity].

I was grateful for:

• the pithy, uplifting Zen stories spoken to me by another in the ‘chemo lounge’,
• the person on a herbalist course with a similar interest in ritual who was Wiccan and laid hands on me,
• the (Druidic) light-worker who ‘breathed’ on me,
• the (Celtic) Christians who prayed,
• the Muslim who asked humbly if Muslim healing prayers counted?
• life from the Life-Giver!

Something to do: for five minutes, write all the things that you’re grateful for, especially things that surprised you, ponder, give thanks, then shred the paper.