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Gratefulness
I don’t want to live a “BIG YES” to the adventure of my life today. I want to go quietly about my business, seeing what God sees, being silent, blessing sincerely and at the end of the day being thankful for yet another embodied day.
I agree with Kevin, gratitude has kin in the form of hope and optimism. We need to cultivate all three because I believe they lead us to something more expanded: love.
Miracles or blessings…are they the same? Regardless, I am grateful for being conscious of life today. Is it a miracle?
When I express gratitude, it functions as gratitude is created to function, to heal, teach, grow, reproduce.
I sometimes hoard what I treasure. I really appreciate what Chester wrote: cultivate and refine the “I”, weave that “I” into the “We”, see the “Us”, and commit to the “All” that is good. Doing that I won’t hoard.
When I notice something about people I am tempted to think of contemptuously, I ask to see something of beauty of or in them. Soon thereafter I do see the beauty I seek.
I believe I am growing and maturing in my faith, life and wisdom daily, but it often doesn’t feel that way. I just keep on going, though.
I have lived with pain for more years than I like. It was helpful as a health care practitioner as it gave me an understanding of what many of my clients were dealing with. When pain was acute I would find something that did not hurt and feel that, which diverted my mind momentarily and allowed me to feel what did not hurt. Also, I would notice moments when I did not hurt, perhaps I was standing or sitting still, and I would relish those moments and draw them out. And sometimes I would just ...
I have lived with pain for more years than I like. It was helpful as a health care practitioner as it gave me an understanding of what many of my clients were dealing with. When pain was acute I would find something that did not hurt and feel that, which diverted my mind momentarily and allowed me to feel what did not hurt. Also, I would notice moments when I did not hurt, perhaps I was standing or sitting still, and I would relish those moments and draw them out. And sometimes I would just accept and feel the pain fully, weep, breathe and wait for it to subside a bit. It has been awhile since I have lived with chronic, daily pain but those practices were helpful to keep me from becoming bitter and angry.
The sounds of wind in the trees, wind chimes, birdsong and my husband preparing our meals!
The same Source, but various expressions and/or incarnations of which I am a part of, a small part of, as is all else. It is mine to recognize, accept and participate as I am able.
My daughter is mentally ill and an addict. My challenge right now is to discern what is in her and my best interests with love and not the emotional aspects of the mother wit I possess. It is a moment by moment practice and difficult.
I affirm many of what has been written on this thread thus far to be my good fortune also. Adding to it, I am fortunate to be aware of the Presence of God at this moment and will attempt to remain aware of that.
Love is not always about feelings. Love does what is in the best interests of the beloved. That is sometimes very difficult to discern. In Paul’s chapter on love he defines and describes it: patient kind doesn’t envy doesn’t boast isn’t proud isn’t rude self-seeking not easily angered doesn’t keep score of wrongs doesn’t delight in evil rejoices in truth it protects trusts hopes perse...
Love is not always about feelings. Love does what is in the best interests of the beloved. That is sometimes very difficult to discern. In Paul’s chapter on love he defines and describes it: patient kind doesn’t envy doesn’t boast isn’t proud isn’t rude self-seeking not easily angered doesn’t keep score of wrongs doesn’t delight in evil rejoices in truth it protects trusts hopes perseveres. I have to be careful not to make how I feel control love or become an idol.
I understand this, Linda. Have you checked out the Calm app? I find it very helpful in being mindful of my thoughts.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your pain and blessing. I fly out to see my daughter today (Thursday) and return on Saturday. Pray for us. I am practicing leaving her in God’s care and trusting that process. I will remember you and yours in my prayers, too.
Oh, well stated, Kevin!
Thank you, Miguelie.
Thank you, Toni. I am attempting to discern between what is truly helpful and what is mere enabling.
Thank you, dear Cora. I appreciate your blessing.
You have summed this up well for me, too, Kevin!
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