A Note for November

I’d like to share a note for November, passed on by a neighbor from a local nursery newsletter.

Autumn note

“Gratitude can transform

common days into thanksgivings,

turn routine jobs into joy,

and change ordinary opportunities

into blessings.”

– William Arthur Ward

 

As long as I can remember, I have been a serendipity enthusiast. I was like a junior birder, but instead of counting birds, I was on the lookout for magical moments of coincidence and good timing. While other kids were collecting baseball cards and earning merit badges, I was working on my ‘Big Year’ of kismet sightings.  Tugging on the sleeves of family members, I’d often say things like, “Hey, look at the full moon right on top of the barn! How cool is that!” or “Look at that ray of sunlight coming through the dining room window! Just when we’re sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner! Isn’t that amazing!”

As an adult, my enthusiasm hasn’t waned. I’m still tugging on sleeves, although I’m more discreet with my observations (wouldn’t want friends and co-workers to think I’ve gone completely over the rainbow). But you know what? Maybe it’s okay to be a little less discreet in November. After all, isn’t this a time to celebrate gratitude and count our blessings? As quirky as it may seem, my lifelong hobby of constantly looking for moments of serendipity has enriched my life in countless ways. For that, I am deeply grateful.

And the sightings continue. On a recent humdrum afternoon, after spending hours at my desk, I suddenly got up and went outside to get the mail. The fog had finally lifted, but the light had been flat and unremarkable all day. Then out of the gray, just as I reached the street, a long ribbon of Snow Geese flew overhead, their wings illuminated by sunlight. Somehow that flock of geese found a path in the sky exactly where those last few sunset rays could reach them and there they were – right there – like a shimmering silver necklace against the dark autumn sky. Then they were gone. What are the odds?  Inexplicable!  Breathtaking!

Call it coincidence, serendipity, or just good luck. All I know is that these moments are around us every day. Kismet happens. It’s up to us to notice, look up, listen, and fully experience gratitude for each little blessing that comes our way.

Happy November, everyone!

Eve Boe, Garden Notes Editor

Christianson’s Nursery

One Response to A Note for November

  1. Hemlata Vasavada November 15, 2013 at 7:12 am #

    No wonder you are a good writer. You can see the rainbow and coincidences of flying birds and sunlight and connect them to human experiences. I, too, can relate to “Giving Thanks” for small incidents and moments that present great joys. Happy Thanksgiving.
    Hema

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