Gratitude

This is the theme we decided to write on this month. My thoughts will be more reflective than those of my fellow authors.

To me, there is always some occurrence in our lives that can cause distress, anxiety or needless worry. We have choices on these too. For me, when I perceive stress intruding, I turn to my Creator and talk/dialogue with Him/Her/ It. God does listen because when I quiet myself, there is an answer. And for this Divine protection, I am grateful.

Some folks rarely express thankfulness on a daily basis. When I look at my surroundings, my pets, my family and my friends…, I do become grateful. No matter the circumstances, there is always a reason to thank our God. Many of us will travel to the CLM retreat this month. I am immensely grateful for this spiritual family and the teachers who grow my faith. The sacred ambiance at these settings enters my soul and this sacredness remains with me; it is I who forgets when the daily stressors attempt to divert me. Then, when I feel the sacred Presence, peace arises and my gratitude emerges.

The family members and friends with whom I am in contact with most days are one of my joys. Just speaking, teasing, and joking with them awakens my thankfulness that we have each other. To be there for their sorrows and for them to realize that I care is gratifying. To be there for the joyous occasions is the best! Thus I am blessed with friends and family; what an awesome reason to be grateful.

As I was pondering what to write in this moment, our friends’ golden retriever came upstairs to my office to just be with me. He settled behind my desk chair and for him and my own beautiful golden I am grateful. Pets are one of our best teachers. They show gratitude for the smallest actions on our parts. A touch, a walk, a kiss, a treat elicits immense thankfulness from them.

Where I am fortunate to live makes me appreciative every day. Each tree, plant, flower and wild animal demonstrates God. The deer I am fortunate to witness are so gentle in nature as we exchange brief looks from my window or backyard. There is no hunting here so these animals know the genuine peace of God. I was also pleased to see a white rabbit and a brilliant black one too- another of Our Creator’s wonders for which I am grateful.

Many times, we do not express this thankfulness-assuming others already know. A brief ‘thanks’ lets them know we do appreciate them. We do have the technology with which to create a personal note, we have pen and paper and of course, the telephone and face to face contact.

If there is anyone for whom you are grateful, let us express this gratitude during this Thanksgiving month and let make this acknowledgement a more permanent part of our lives. Thank you goes a long way and is healing for the receiver and giver.

And let us never forget to say ‘Thank you, God.’

Love and blessings,

Rev. Dr. Barbara Christina