That’s just the way it comes
I’ve been reading M. Scott Peck’s book The Road Less Travelled and Beyond, and while disappointed that it is not as good as his seminal work, The Road Less Travelled, I am nevertheless picking up some nuggets of insight along the way.
Peck tells the story of a young man, driving through the Southern states of America for the first time. Stopping at a roadside diner in South Carolina, he orders scrambled egg and sausage for his breakfast. When the waitress delivers his order to him, he notices a white blob of something unfamiliar on his plate. “What’s this? he asks the waitress in surprise. “Grits sir” comes her reply. “But I didn’t order them” says the young man. To which the waitress replies “You don’t order grits. They just come”. (In case you are wondering as I was, what exactly grits are.. they are made from coarsely ground corn and similar to other thick maize-based porridges from around the world, such as polenta).
Peck tells this story by way of illustration that you don’t order grace in your life – it just comes. And furthermore, Peck believes that those who perceive grace in the world are more likely to be grateful, and grateful people are more likely to be happy.
But, gratitude is not just about a nice warm fuzzy feeling you get, there may in fact be measurable, scientific benefits to an attitude of gratitude. One study showed that when participants were asked to find something to appreciate every day, they were more optimistic, energetic, enthusiastic, determined and joyful. Valerie Reiss, writing about gratitude says while the phrase count your blessings ” is simple to the point of stupid”, it is also “powerful to the point of life-altering..gratitude.. connects your brain with your heart, and gives you the ground to be a more giving, effective, loving human.”
A grateful heart is a mysterious thing and while it may be harder for some of us to possess it than others, nevertheless, we should try to cultivate it as much as we can. An attitude of gratitude is one of the greatest gifts we can possess, alongside strength of will and purpose in our lives.
Related Post: Reflections on Gratitude
I am reminded of the Meister Eckhart quote along the lines of if they only prayer you utter in your life is thank you, that would suffice.
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Marie, I had to smile when I read this post:) I live in Asheville, NC which is right next to South Carolina and grits along with sweet tea (made with alot of sugar) is very much a part of the culture! One of the things I love about the south is people are friendly and what you see is what you get!
I have been wondering why I don’t have as many horror stories to tell about my bc walk so far. So many folks have had it so much worse than I have! For the most part in my head, I am so engrained in the grace that has been given to me, (so undeserved I must say) that I believe the hand of God will hold me so I am going to be able to do what ever I need to do.
I am so not saying everything is easy or that I have had trials! Like I have to face Herceptin via an IV on Friday and my arms still show the bruises from last weeks try of trying to start an IV for a muga scan (which by the way was unsuccessful and had to do a cardio gram) But I do have the gratitude and fully believe that no matter what I will make it and will be better than before I started this journey. Does this make sense?
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Jean, a wonderful quote and one I often think of when I find myself unable to pray.
Luann, yes it does make sense! You are a living example of grace and gratitude!!! And thank you for sharing that insight into what it’s like to live in the southern US states – a place I would love to visit some day – sounds like my kind of place 🙂
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Marie,
Excellent post as usual. Living with Grace, Love, Respect, Dignity & Gratitude elevates us to a higher plane of divine riches.
Albert Schweitzer once famously commented that, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
Finally, Loved Jean’s quote. Read somewhere that Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality. Her quote confirms it.
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Great post–great reminder! Thanks for sharing!
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Great post, Marie, a grateful heart is indeed a great gift, at any time of your life.
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Wow, it is uncanny how when I read your posts they seem to directly relate to where I am in my life. This one was no exception. I am definitely going to pick up this book.
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Thanks for this post. It makes me think of my twisters and how grateful I am you all came into my life. 🙂
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I loved this post and I really enjoyed reading both Jean’s and Somnath’s quotes – the comments really enriched this for me as they always do.
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A great illustration of grace and gratitude – thanks for reminding us 🙂
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Very inspirational post
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I love the power of stories to illustrate life’s lessons – this was a nice example!
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I too am a fan of The Road Less Travelled, and haven’t read this sequel..I don’t think I will bother now reading your comments..however I did enjoy this post 🙂
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The Road Less Travelled had a profound impact on me when I read it in my early twenties – as I know it did millions of other people. I agree that it was the best of his books too.
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Yes, I agree with you and Colette – I couldnt help but feel that it was a bit of an advertisment for some of his earlier work and he has already said most of it some where else.
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I am travelling to the southern states later this year…I am going to try me some grits 🙂
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