November often feels like a scramble—a sprint toward the holidays set against the backdrop of the change of seasons and fading light. Yet, the practice of gratitude asks us to pause, to lean into the quiet magic and sacred rhythm that exists, even amidst the chaos of the morning rush.
This month, as we prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving, we are committed to honoring the feelings of change by seeking out everyday gratitude in the most unexpected places. And for me, that place is the bus stop.
The Power of the Intentional Pause
In the demanding chaos of a modern morning, my most treasured time is a voluntary interruption: the five minutes plus I dedicate to waiting for the bus with my son.
I am most grateful for the choice this moment represents. I could easily continue with my morning routine, I am the mom of teenagers after all. That would be the easy path, but how would that make me feel?
Would I get that feeling of connection?
Instead, I choose to stop everything. I turn on the lights, watch from the window, and be the lookout he needs as he finishes getting ready for his day. Then he waits with his dad and I. There isn’t much said in these early morning hours, but the connection is there.
This isn't about ensuring he gets on the bus safely anymore; he is a capable, independent young man. It is about a profound, intentional moment of family connection. These few minutes are a five-minute sanctuary—a bubble of calm before everyone faces their day head on.
Savoring the Simple and the Sacred
This moment has a unique, beautiful texture. It’s watching for the lights coming down the road, and listening to the sound of the bus gears shifting down the road. We rarely have deep conversations here; in fact, we rarely speak at all, comfortable silence. (You know teenagers in the morning!)
But that silence, that simple presence, is the most sacred part. It’s the unspoken communication that says, "You matter more than my to-do list. This moment, this simple act of being together, is my priority."
Knowing that these school-day mornings are nearing their conclusion only sharpens my gratitude. It forces me to be fully present, not just physically, but mentally. It’s a powerful lesson in savoring the now, recognizing that the most significant chapters of our lives are often composed of countless, seemingly small routines.
This November, look for the moment in your own routine where you can intentionally pause and choose presence over productivity. Find your own five-minute sanctuary. The simple act of stopping is an act of profound gratitude, a powerful way to honor the people you love and the beautiful, sacred rhythm of the life you have built.
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