We bought a hummingbird feeder recently and hung it directly outside the living room window.  It took no time for the “locals” to discover this new resource.  Every morning while we had coffee, I would watch one or two of these tiny birds arrived at the feeder, anxious for breakfast. Their long beaks would drink in the food while their wings fluttered faster than seemed possible. 

When they finished, at least one bird would fly as close to the window as he could get.  He would position himself directly in front of the glass as we watched him.  I know it seems fanciful, but it was almost like he was thanking us for his meal.  He lingered for a moment or two and then went on his way, both of us satisfied with how the day had begun.

I generally ended my day in the same chair where it had begun, only instead of coffee I would enjoy a glass of wine.  In addition to the view of the hummingbird feeder, we had an expansive view of the entire valley.  While I sipped my glass of cabernet, I could watch the sun set dramatically over the mountains to the west.  Often the sky would look like a giant creamsicle, reflecting the brilliant colors of red and orange.  If there happened to be some lingering clouds, they would add a dramatic dimension to the performance.

Without fail, the sunset not only delighted my senses, but reminded me to be grateful for the beauty and warmth around me.  Like the hummingbird, I felt gratitude for the gifts that I had been given that day.  Sometimes I was grateful for having a difficult situation behind me, and sometimes for the pleasure of unexpected moments. But always thankful that the universe had once again provided for me in a beautiful and satisfying way.