Often, we don’t remember to appreciate our life, as it is, when we’re consumed by obtaining more stuff. Clearly there is plenty in our life for which we can feel joy even if we don’t live in a palace or have all the material things we’re convinced we must have.  I knew a young man once, named Miguel, who didn’t seem to have many worldly things. He rented a minuscule room attached to the garage of one of my neighbors. He worked as a janitor at night and did odd jobs around the neighborhood during the day. My neighbor told me that he sent most of his meager wages to his parents and younger siblings who lived in Mexico somewhere. Yet, I’d never seen a happier person. He walked with as if to music, he genuinely whistled while he worked, and and his large, brown eyes seemed to always have a sparkle. Curious as to how he could sustain such joy, I asked him his secret. He told me, “Any day above ground is a good day.”

Let’s face it, earth life is a limited offer. Life on the planet is finite. But, we’re here now! No matter how his life might have seemed to others, for Miguel, being alive was a cause for celebration. Our life is a phenomenon that we have neither created nor earned. We’ve all heard the saying, “Life is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.” However, have we accepted the gift without saying “thank you”? Or, instead, are we holding back for for more…and more “things” before we sing our song of thanksgiving?

If we had all the material possessions that money could buy, but we couldn’t feel appreciation for them, what good would our possessions be to us? And, likewise, if we had little or no possessions, but were able to rejoice in the gift of life itself, then what need would be have for more?

Tomorrow may hold the promise of prosperity and abundant good, but the present (this gift) is what we are holding in our hands. Let the music of our hearts play a song of praise so the we may dance with the Spirit today.

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