A Couple of Thrivers

Today I am grateful for how modern technology connects us in positive ways. I am also grateful for my seven sisters and five brothers and our perspectives on life--both how they are similar and how they are different.

The modern technology I appreciate is the kind that allows us to easily share pictures and videos across the miles. Our grandson Aaron reached the milestone of 6 months old yesterday. He lives four hours away with his parents Arthur and Alyssa. So getting treated to pictures like this one and videos of his latest escapades are especially cherished.

Aaron is clearly content and thriving. He has a healthy appetite, is reaching more and more physical milestones which will soon make him mobile, and makes baby sounds and laughs in adorable ways. If you want a point of comparison, check out this post from mid-October, Pondering Life, that shows Aaron at 2 months old. 

We miss seeing you regularly Aaron, but we are so thankful you are doing well and that we see you across the miles on our phones and computers when we can't be there in person. Like all parents, your parents are left wondering how fast the time goes and how much you can change and grow in a matter of days or weeks. Cherish this time Arthur and Alyssa. It indeed goes quickly.

Aaron is a thriver. The other thriver I am speaking of in today's post title is winter. Late winter in Minnesota is thriving. It is a veritable wonderland of fresh snow and trees laden with the last two snowfalls. Those snowfalls brought us nearly ten inches of snow and came within 48 hours of one another. 

Winter is a thriver too. I appreciate the beauty, the opportunity to exercise my muscles as I shovel, and to breathe in the deep freshness of cold and pristine air. And I appreciate that it is late February and not early November.

Living gratefully allows me to thrive in so many ways. It starts with healthier thoughts and perspective and it grows from there. Welcome to another day of opportunities to thrive--Aaron, winter, and each of us.