Thank you, Universe.

As I was driving home from teaching my 6 am class this morning, this thought crossed my mind, “Today I’m going to say thank you for everything I’m given. No matter what.”

Ask and you shall receive. I walked out from teaching my 8 am class to see the Universe had given me the gift of...a FLAT TIRE. Not gonna lie, my first response was NOT thank you. It was more like *%#! you. Because of all the skills and abilities I possess, anything having to do with vehicles and the fixing of them is simply not one of them. I quickly tried to figure out my best course of action, but my head was spinning a bit. Before I could figure it out several people walking through the parking lot were offering help.

THANK YOU, Universe.

Moments later, the manager of the the gym (and my new personal hero) came to my rescue. Without even needing me to ask, she went to work to help me. I told her I thought I had roadside assistance, but she insisted it would be faster for her to just put the spare on. So she happily, quickly and expertly started gathering the tools and crawling around on the ground to get my spare tire I had (and didn’t even know about).

THANK YOU, Universe.

Then 4 firefighters from the local fire department came walking by. They just happened to be there for a meeting and offered to take over. A TEAM of people, also heroes, to help me.

THANK YOU, Universe.

As my heart filled with gratitude I recognized countless other reasons to say thank you.

It wasn’t storming as it at been earlier. THANK YOU, Universe.

My kids were safely at school and not stranded with me. THANK YOU, Universe.

I had no other time sensitive commitments until this afternoon. THANK YOU, Universe.

In a matter of 40 minutes my band of heroes had me all set up, packed up and ready to go buy much needed new tires.

During my *slow* drive to Costco on my spare, friends reached out offering help with anything I might need. THANK YOU, Universe.

Costco had my tires in stock and could get me in today as a walk in. My van won’t be ready likely until 8:30 pm, but still...THANK YOU, Universe.

I have the means to afford new tires—not how I want to spend it—but nonetheless, I have it. THANK YOU, Universe.

With no van during tire installation, several people offered to cover swim carpool. THANK YOU, Universe.

One of my neighbors took time out of his workday to give me a ride home so I didn’t have to spend my day at Costco. THANK YOU, Universe.

My best friend agreed to take me to pick up my car when it’s done. THANK YOU, Universe.

Mark Nepo said something like “ We have to be willing to ask for what we need and then be just as willing to receive what we are given.” I asked for reasons to say thank you today. I had no idea it would be given in the form of a flipping flat tire. However, it’s what I got. And I’ll simply say THANK YOU, Universe. My heart is full, blessed and grateful.