I have an awesome raincoat. I bought it about 8 years ago at Lululemon and I wear it all the time. I always get compliments on it (even after so many years), it keeps me dry and it’s comfortable and I do really like wearing it.

There is an elderly couple in our church whom I love watching and I so admire not only their relationship with each other, but their whole attitude towards life. Last year we had a potluck at church and after we ate there was a band playing music. The only person who got up and danced was this lady. She was so happy and having so much fun and I remember thinking to myself -that’s how I want to age. With joy for life and a bounce in my step. Every week when I see them they are both smiling and look genuinely happy.

Last Sunday I ran into her in the bathroom before church and she complemented me on my raincoat and I responded with something like “Thanks, but I wish I didn’t have to be wearing it today” (it was a chilly, rainy, overcast day).

As soon as I said it I thought in my head ‘here I’ve been working so hard on gratitude and finding things to be thankful for in every little moment. No sooner does someone hand me something so easy to be thankful for and I’m complaining.’ I was still standing there trying to figure out how to turn it around when she did it for me. She answered with “Well yes, but on the days when you need a raincoat you can be thankful you have such a nice one to wear.”

I just answered with “Well said, that’s exactly how I feel. I am thankful for that.”

I’m pretty sure that a big part of how she’s lived such a long and happy life is because she does find those little things to be thankful for that lead to bigger things to be thankful for.

I’m thankful I ran into her. She helped change my perspective.