Beachy Beach February Love Note
(Originally Published February 14, 2017)
Dear BB's,
Real joy does not come and go, it is not fleeting nor is it tossed to and fro with the mood of the day. It is deep down and unchangeable by circumstances. It is far deeper than that and it infuses EVERYTHING we do and should be EVERYWHERE we go. So I decided that I must approach all things with joy…..even the gas pump.
If you know me at all you know one of the reasons I love New Jersey is they pump your gas!!!! The first time I discovered that I was so happy and just wanted to jump out and hug him but I decided to thank him over and over and throw a few bills his way. I thought wow what a concept!!!! I LOVE THIS PLACE, I AM MOVING HERE BUT THE WEATHER HELD ME BACK.
I am not prone to complaining and I tend to enjoy most all things in life but up until now I have just not loved pumping gas and I would do most anything to avoid it!! I have bribed Lacey and Susan, volunteered to buy my son's gas if they will pump mine. If it was legal or ethical I tried it just to keep from standing still for all those dreaded minutes and risk getting my hands all gas smelly!!!!
Just a few days ago I made a decision to find joy at the pump!!!! I started thinking about all the reasons to be grateful that I get to pump gas. There was a time when I could only afford 5 dollars at a time and now I can fill up!!!! There was time when I drove a car that I prayed would make it to the pump and it rarely did so now I have a bright and happy Jeep that makes it everytime. I am thankful that I have a job to go to so that requires the gas I have to pump. I am so thankful that I have arms to pump the gas, legs to stand there and a nose to smell the fumes!!!!! I am thankful that I don't have to choose between gas or food or other things because I have been blessed to have all that I need and more.
But more than all of this……. I use my gas pumping time to pray and meditate and say to myself all those things that I am thankful for. I just smile and say thanks for all the things connected to the experience of pumping gas and the ability to have a nice car and afford the gas. I also use a meditation that I have used for years. I get still and say to myself; "Breathing in the breath of God, Breathing out the breath of God. Breathing in the hope of God, Breathing out the hope of God, Breathing in the health of God and breathing out the health of God."
I leave the station with a full tank of gas and full tank of gratitude and hope and look forward to the next time I need to fill up!!!!! Thanks to all of you for filling me with so much love and so much joy I can hardly stand it!! Fill her up!!!!!
Grateful,
Karen