Indeed! Is it not gratitude that we find, as the soft chewy center of practically every religion, tradition, and spiritual practice?
If one merely looks about, seeing life essence, or God, within everything, can we feel anything else? In fact, is every adversity anything less than a chance for us to deepen our gratitude for our blessings? If you are hungry, tired or frustrated, is there not the implicit and inherent opportunity to be thankful? Those situations are anomalous in your experience, but there are those without the opportunity to eat later, rest well or relax with a cup of tea. Those for whom hunger and exhaustion aren't so fleeting. So is it not our job to be deeply grateful for what we do have and, at the same time, harbor love and concern for those still needing help?
In this land of plenty, there is so much for which to be thankful.
I agree with you resoundingly -- deciding to be thankful and seeking opportunities to make those observations is spiritually deeply enriching.
The theological philosopher Mister Eckhart famously said: If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
Thanks so much for sharing that, George! All of that is so very true and states so well the much needed balance of appreciation for what we have and being concerned for those who do not have.
Hey, everyone. My name is Bethany, and I’m excited to to have the opportunity to spread the Message via blogging! My aim and goal in life is to spread the fire and passion of the Lord around.
Growing up in the suburbs east of Pittsburgh I grew up going to church, being a good pupil in school, and (recently) finishing college. Having been so long in a church it’s easy to think that God only speaks through that which we would expect Him to. But… Au contraire! He’s so much bigger than what our finite minds can grasp. The Lord can speak through anyone, or anything, at anytime, in any place. So the lesson in life goes.
My goal is to help you to draw closer to the Lord, in all His fullness. To help you take hold of what He is gently speaking to your very heart and know that He loves you without end. Always keep your eyes open. God is always saying something where we least expect it.
I also write a weekly blog which you can find at www.jtindie.com Check out JT's podcasts, too!
Indeed! Is it not gratitude that we find, as the soft chewy center of practically every religion, tradition, and spiritual practice?
ReplyDeleteIf one merely looks about, seeing life essence, or God, within everything, can we feel anything else? In fact, is every adversity anything less than a chance for us to deepen our gratitude for our blessings? If you are hungry, tired or frustrated, is there not the implicit and inherent opportunity to be thankful? Those situations are anomalous in your experience, but there are those without the opportunity to eat later, rest well or relax with a cup of tea. Those for whom hunger and exhaustion aren't so fleeting. So is it not our job to be deeply grateful for what we do have and, at the same time, harbor love and concern for those still needing help?
In this land of plenty, there is so much for which to be thankful.
I agree with you resoundingly -- deciding to be thankful and seeking opportunities to make those observations is spiritually deeply enriching.
The theological philosopher Mister Eckhart famously said:
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
Thanks so much for sharing that, George! All of that is so very true and states so well the much needed balance of appreciation for what we have and being concerned for those who do not have.
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