This weekend we watched Daniel Lewis, The Butler. Have you seen it? If not here is a blurb: ” The film tells the story of a White House butler who served eight American presidents over three decades. It traces the dramatic changes that swept American society during this time, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam and beyond, and how those changes affected this man’s life and family.”
At some point when were watching it my husband fell asleep, it is not unusual for one of us to miss at least 1/2 the movie. As I was waking him up to go to bed I was telling him how much I loved him and appreciated our life together. He asked me, “Did Oprah die?”. Spoiler alert: Yes. She does die. But not after living a long life. And this was not the part that hit me.
Yes. Their relationship was a part of the movie but not the aspect that really affected me. What really impacted me was watching this movie sitting in my living room surrounded by beautiful things, all the things I love to be surrounded by and things I share here. A loving husband, beautiful decor, fragrant flowers, tasty snacks on the table and a chilled glass of white wine in my hand, the means and ability to move freely around this wonderful country of ours….. you get the picture. I do not take anything in my life for granted by any stretch, but at that moment I was overwhelmed by gratitude for all I have.
I asked at that moment for the ability to be able to show my love and gratitude more openly to those around me, not just right then but everyday. To tell people how much I love and appreciate them as if that might be my last opportunity.
Many of you may have a day off from work or school, a day free from study and pressure, please be sure to sit for just a moment and consider what this day truly represents to our country. We have come a long, long way but we all know there is still work to be done. Consider what in your life, conversations or thoughts you can change to continue to move our country towards true peace, equality, justice and a grateful existence.
I leave you with the question posed by Martin Luther King Jr himself. “What are you doing for others?” This can mean MANY different things to everyone. It does not have to be about creating major change or working at a shelter, it maybe and I applaud you if this is part of your giving, but it doesn’t have to be. It can simply mean showing someone how much you appreciate them, letting them know you are glad they are in your life. Imagine the change that could come if everyday we ALL appreciated, loved and valued everyone and everything around us, and they all knew it.
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