“We shall find peace. We shall hear the angels. We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds.” (Anton Chekhov)
A long flight from San Francisco to London to Dublin, Ireland. A brief “Happy Thanksgiving” announcement mid-air. A small buffet of sliced turkey and side dishes in United’s lounge at Heathrow.
On this occasion, this Thanksgiving unlike any before, these were the only signs of the quintessential American holiday for us.
While thankful for this meaningful travel, we still missed gathering with loved ones around the harvest table. In truth, we especially missed the priceless smiles of two precious ladies.
On that dark arrival night in Dublin, Ireland, we checked into the hotel.
Then straightaway, we strolled out, hand in hand, through the nighttime chill of late November.
After so many hours in airports and on airplanes, our only intention was to stretch our legs in the Irish capital.
We’d explore in the morning.
But when we turned an intriguing corner and –
Behold! The glittering lights of Grafton Street welcomed us into the glorious sparkle and shine of Christmas.
Surprisingly uplifted by the unexpected sky sparkling with diamonds, we felt our spirits rise.
Suddenly, we felt a profound sense of peace, light, love, and joy.
Because of grit, grace, and gratitude.
Grit, Grace, and Gratitude
These three attributes – grit, grace, and gratitude – are part of our beloved late mothers’ legacies.
So, you may be wondering, what exactly do they mean by grit, grace, and gratitude?
Well, that’s an excellent question. Here’s our definition:
Grit is the trait of resilience and perseverance. Of positivity, flexibility, and adaptability
Just like the abrasive grit of sand inside an oyster creates a pearl.
Grace is the act of mercy, pardon, or influence. Whether internally, externally, or divinely.
Grace also describes an elegant or pleasing quality in form, manner, or movement.
Gratitude is the emotion of thankfulness and gratefulness.
Practicing the attitude of gratitude especially lifts us from the muck and mire.
So grit, grace, and gratitude are the essential traits, acts, and emotions to lift us up from the muck and the mire.
To impart peace, light, love, and joy. Strengthen our sense of hope. Keep us moving forward.
Above all, grit, grace, and gratitude are three gifts. Your gifts to give. And your gifts to receive.
In the festive season. And in every season. For every reason.
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All opinions expressed are Spotlight Sojourns’ own.
All content and images are original, created with care by yours truly, Marilee Kostadimas and Paul Kostadimas, not AI. We’re the Hidden Gemologists of Spotlight Sojourns: Award-winning travel experts, storytellers, and advocates of meaningful travel. Because meaningful travel is part of a meaningful life. And stories enrich the meaning.