thanks in all things (part 2)

i've had a less than wonderful week. the buses are on strike in murcia right now because the drivers haven't been paid in about 3 months. i depend solely on the buses to get to and from work everyday and since they're on strike i've had to bother people i know and ask them to take me around (something i hate). the buses were supposed to run as usual on tuesday and the bus was purposely 30 minutes late. argh. on top of that i have immigration forms to fill out and i've been without a cell phone because i guess two months isn't enough time for the cell phone company to change my account and get me a new phone.

i let silly things (e.g. the bus situation this week) stress me out. i try as hard as i can to be a good person. to live in the moment. to not get angry about nonsense. to relax and think before i speak. to not be materialistic. to not be jealous. to not worry about the past or the future. i fail. i am full of flaws and constantly make mistakes and for this reason today i am grateful for forgiveness. i'm not a saint and neither is anyone else i know. i make a million mistakes a day and have many regrets in my life. the good thing is i am forgiven and i have the ability to forgive other people. what a wonderful thing.

today i'm also grateful for a job i love. i work with adorable children everyday and even though they can drive me crazy at times and i often come home with a pounding headache, i love them. they are curious, motivated and get excited about the tiniest things. today one boy approached me outside the classroom bouncing with joy. he hugged me shouting "animals! animals!" because we were about to start a lesson on animals in science. when i walk through the halls at school children stop with a huge gap-toothed grin to give you a hug or to say "hello, teacher!" you can't help but smile.

finally, today i'm grateful for roberto. he is one of the greatest people i know. i'm sure he has flaws too (although i've yet to figure out what they are). he listens to me complain and endures my volatile mood changes. he will do anything for anyone and never expects anything in return. he's generous, forgiving, patient, loyal and logical. i meditate, pray, read books on spirituality and practice yoga daily and still barely manage to have the peace of mind roberto has.