58 Comments
User's avatar
Joy Walker's avatar

You are a freaking good story teller, Sean! Thank you. I’m grateful to get to read your stories.

Expand full comment
Edward M. Caldwell's avatar

work, sing and play

like the songbird greets the sun

with thanks for a new day

and grace from an old one

Expand full comment
Josie's avatar

Thank God for you my dear friend 🙏

Expand full comment
don ortolano's avatar

Attitude of Gratitude!

…. and, by the way, Sean…. I still say “freaking”…..

Expand full comment
Linda Eriksson's avatar

Me, too. The alternative just sounds dirty and freakin’ unnecessary!

Expand full comment
Dolores's avatar

It would seem the first man had more right to be cranky with the aches and pains that come with old age. But he never took the bait…pun intended.

In truth the other one likely started his day perturbed, having to go at a slower pace to get the the pond. He took the bait and ‘perturbed’ followed him the rest of the day. A day wasted with grumbling and complaining: a day robbed of its peace.

We do that too. Spill our morning coffee, get stuck in traffic, coworker isn’t pulling their weight and the day is ruined.

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

Expand full comment
Susie S's avatar

Dolores, love your last sentence.

Expand full comment
ellen clairmont's avatar

I love this story. Well, really, I love all your stories! I'll be spending my day being thankful and grateful for every part of my life. Bless you, Sean.

Expand full comment
Dan Davis's avatar

Amen to that brother. Thank you Jesus!

Expand full comment
Linda Eriksson's avatar

Amen.

Expand full comment
Cindy Gallop's avatar

Gratitude…..indeed the attitude!

Expand full comment
Julie RN's avatar

Thanks, Cindy❣️ I’m always on the lookout for great motivating rhymes for my grade school kiddos who will return to school later next month! YIKES!! Where did the summer go??

Expand full comment
Cindy Gallop's avatar

👍🏻

Expand full comment
Sy Anne's avatar

Lovely parable, Sean.

Thanks for reminding us to be grateful for what we have.

Expand full comment
Mamacita's avatar

Yes. This.

Amen.

Expand full comment
Thea McGinnis's avatar

lol. Grampa knows best.

Expand full comment
Linda Eriksson's avatar

For sure!

Expand full comment
Mike Toomey's avatar

Gratitude: the attitude that raises your spiritual altitude. (Also helps you catch some tasty food!)

Expand full comment
MAM's avatar

I guess because I'm old. I start my every day with journaling in a notebook, and being thankful for everything in my life, including thanking God for things that haven't happened yet, but that I believe God will help me with. I don't do a bit of begging, just gratitude. And so far, it's working quite well, But I came to this conclusion within the past year or so, so I guess it's old age that makes one come to a different conclusion. I've too long been the little girl trying to do too much! Thanks for your every day words, Sean!

Expand full comment
ellen clairmont's avatar

I also thank God for things that haven't happened yet. I pray for blessings for the future husbands and wives of my grandchildren. I've also learned in my old age to just pray Thy Will Be Done. That prayer takes so much pressure off me!

Expand full comment
MAM's avatar

I completely agree with Thy Will be Done. To me those are the most critical words in the entire Lord's Prayer. When I pray the prayer alone, I repeat those words spoken or thought!

Expand full comment
Monica's Dark Corner's avatar

Absolutely loved this story! Thank you for brightening my day! ♥️

Expand full comment
Julia Dixon's avatar

Great story. Be thankful in the small thIngs and God will bless with bigger.

Expand full comment
Julie RN's avatar

A heart of gratitude grows when we give thanks for the small things. (Diana Rockwell)

Expand full comment