Practicing Gratefulness

Last night I was meeting a friend for dinner at a place we frequent. It was chilly and we were have very cold strong winds which we are not used to in Los Angeles. I was parking my car on the street and couldn't seem to get it right. I was outside of the designated lines so I got back in my car and got closer to the curb and pulled where I thought I was between the lines. When I got out I was way too close to a driveway and over the line. I briefly thought I could just leave it for the hour but thought if it's worth doing, do it right. I mean usually I am a very good at driving and parking and this was an easy job, the only space between two driveways. Instead of getting annoyed or judging myself I said to myself that I was grateful that I could drive and offered this gratitude. I also told myself, if this is happening it must be for a good reason.

I quickly went the short distance to the corner and started down the block toward the next corner where the restaurant is located. In the middle of the block is an empty lot with a wood fence and a large wooden gate with heavy slats of wood on the other side, tall and the width of a driveway. As I was maybe fifteen feet from it I suddenly heard a loud bang and crash. The wind had taken the gate off its hinges and it lay covering the sidewalk and out into the street. Even the employees inside the restaurant heard it because of the force. As I worked my way around it I couldn't help but reflect on where I would have been had I not been seemingly unnecessarily delayed. I offered even deeper gratitude for the protection I received.

Thank you very much!