The sky was gorgeous two evenings ago. The magnificence of God's creation never ceases to amaze me. It is truly something to admire, and giving thanks to God for such beauty comes naturally.
It took a few attempts, but I finally caught the soaring creature in one of the photos.
Many people will be traveling this week to see family and friends for Thanksgiving Day. Please be careful in your travels so that everyone gets to their destinations safely. A safe return trip home is also a big part of the equation. Please do not drive if you are too tired or have consumed too much alcohol. The life you save may be someone you love.
I have seen the 30 day "gratitude list" circulating on social media. I will probably not commit to listing something for 30 days, but I will spend today listing a few things of which I am grateful. Here are ten items--not necessarily in order of priority.
1. Faith in God
2. Love of Family (I could list individuals separately and make this a long list quickly.)
3. Sacramental Life of the Church (Experiencing avenues of grace)
4. The years of good health
5. The trials of poor health (which help me understand # 4 more fully)
6. Eyesight (to see the beauty that surrounds us--people, places, things, creation)
7. Hearing
8. Sense of smell
9. Taste
10. Touch
I listed the senses separately to make a point. Can you imagine what your life would be like if any one of those five were absent? Maybe you are living it? What happens when something is altered? The sense of smell can be wonderful as you appreciate the scents permeating the house as Thanksgiving dinner is being prepared. What happens to the individual going through chemotherapy treatments? His/her sense of smell is heightened and previous aromas found to be pleasant now cause vomiting. It is all a matter of perspective.
Finally, we could list all of those things that impact us almost daily. I am grateful for a job and a paycheck, a vehicle to drive, gas and oil to put into the vehicle, streets to drive on, a home, electricty, heat, air conditioning, a washer and dryer, clothes to put in the washer and dryer, food, water, a sense of safety, a telephone, a computer, access to the internet, etc. Life can seem difficult at times, but when I look at the bigger picture it is actually pretty good.
Three questions:
What are you thankful for these days?
How does gratitude impact your prayer life?
If you have the luxury of gathering with family on Thanksgiving Day, what can you do differently this year to more fully embrace a sense of gratitude?
I have seen the 30 day "gratitude list" circulating on social media. I will probably not commit to listing something for 30 days, but I will spend today listing a few things of which I am grateful. Here are ten items--not necessarily in order of priority.
1. Faith in God
2. Love of Family (I could list individuals separately and make this a long list quickly.)
3. Sacramental Life of the Church (Experiencing avenues of grace)
4. The years of good health
5. The trials of poor health (which help me understand # 4 more fully)
6. Eyesight (to see the beauty that surrounds us--people, places, things, creation)
7. Hearing
8. Sense of smell
9. Taste
10. Touch
I listed the senses separately to make a point. Can you imagine what your life would be like if any one of those five were absent? Maybe you are living it? What happens when something is altered? The sense of smell can be wonderful as you appreciate the scents permeating the house as Thanksgiving dinner is being prepared. What happens to the individual going through chemotherapy treatments? His/her sense of smell is heightened and previous aromas found to be pleasant now cause vomiting. It is all a matter of perspective.
Finally, we could list all of those things that impact us almost daily. I am grateful for a job and a paycheck, a vehicle to drive, gas and oil to put into the vehicle, streets to drive on, a home, electricty, heat, air conditioning, a washer and dryer, clothes to put in the washer and dryer, food, water, a sense of safety, a telephone, a computer, access to the internet, etc. Life can seem difficult at times, but when I look at the bigger picture it is actually pretty good.
Three questions:
What are you thankful for these days?
How does gratitude impact your prayer life?
If you have the luxury of gathering with family on Thanksgiving Day, what can you do differently this year to more fully embrace a sense of gratitude?
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