I have a rock...

By now I've read, listened and watched so many books, cds, and dvds that I can't remember what I got from which one, but I've adopted tips and instructions that either seemed to just "be right," or (okay, I'm lazy) that take little time and effort compared to others.  The rock happened to fit beautifully into my lifestyle.   Some say there are no coincidences.  I've been chalking a lot of those happenings to providence.  So, I guess they're right.

Anyway, a few weeks ago I picked up a box of rocks and stones (I guess there's a difference) at a yard sale.  Big ones, little ones, raw ones, polished ones.  And I got a little more of the history of the collection than I expected.  Turns out the father was a rock hound, often to the detriment of his family, which was more than willing to get rid of what--I'm sure--he thought was a valuable collection.  For a pittance.  I was happy, I like pretty rocks.

Flash forward to now and one story from the books stuck out from the others.  It told of a man who picked a special stone (or rock) and carried it in his pocket every day as an instrument to be used in the gratitude part of using his power within.  The man would express his gratitude each night when he took the rock out of his pocket, and then again each morning as he put it back in.  I've got to say it's better than going around with strings on your fingers to remind you.  Since I just acquired a great collection of rocks, it didn't take long to find my "gratitude rock"  Now I use it, besides my prayers, every morning and night, and the neat thing about having it in my pocket is that everytime I put my hand in my pocket and feel it, I automatically look for, or think of, something to give thanks for.  Now I thank more often.  Because I've been given much.

In addition to the rock, I picked up a pretty spiral note pad at the $1 store today and started listing things to be thankful for as they come to mind.  I'll bet I fill the book before the month is over.

An unexpected side effect of this exercise is that I look for something that I'm thankful for while I'm in the middle of a problem or argument.  Sure puts a different perspective on things.