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Gratefulness
This question brought a story to mind. Because of my upbringing, I have always had trouble being thanked. I have had to learn over the years how to accept thanks or compliments graciously rather than belittling or brushing off the comment. That said, thanks mean the most to me when I don’t even realize I have done anything. Once when I was a teenager, the employer at my part-time job gave us all a turkey for the holidays. My Mom had already bought one for our family so I told her to just gi...
This question brought a story to mind. Because of my upbringing, I have always had trouble being thanked. I have had to learn over the years how to accept thanks or compliments graciously rather than belittling or brushing off the comment. That said, thanks mean the most to me when I don’t even realize I have done anything. Once when I was a teenager, the employer at my part-time job gave us all a turkey for the holidays. My Mom had already bought one for our family so I told her to just give it to a friend of hers, a single mother who had a large family. Years later, that woman thanked me and told me they had no means to buy one that year. I had never given it another thought, and she had never forgotten it. That thank you has been one of the sweetest moments of my life, and I didn’t even realize I did anything.
Today I am inspired by the words of the woman writing from prison in the blog posted on this site. I have been inspired by those who have given me living examples of how to age well. As Kevin says in his reflection, the list of those who inspire me is endless. All of you inspire me daily by your reflections. Thank you!
I am reminded of something I heard or read: hurt people hurt people. Realizing and accepting this is not always easy, but if I can forgive others, I can forgive myself. A burden is lifted.
Amen!
In my long, hard relationship with my adult daughter, one thing that became a mantra for me was the phrase, “It’s not over yet.” Stay the course. It’s not over yet. Keep on loving. You will both be in my prayers.
Thank you both for your wise words. To me, life lessons like forgiveness and letting go work like a spiral laid aslant on its side: up and down we go but gradually each up is a little further up the hill, and each low not quite so low. Some lessons take a lifetime to learn and never really stop. Prayers and hugs to you both!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Devy!
You have hit the proverbial nail on the head!
You are on a noble path, Antoinette. Prayers and hugs!
Gracias, Mercedes. Todos seguimos aprendiendo. We must all keep learning!
So true, Kevin. “The list of who inspires me is endless.”
Amen, Howie!
Well said, Javier!
Yes, Verena. Letting go and trusting, living with gratefulness, are daily steps. Lighting a candle each morning and praying for the light to shine through, then listening to what God has to tell me each day bring that same peace, that same sense of refuge. Blessings and prayers are coming your way as you make these changes!
Joseph Campbell said it something like this: “All life is painful. The only response is to embrace it with joy, to say ‘yes’ to life.”
So do I, Katrina! I’m new to the site this summer and have been finding so much insight and courage. It helps to know that others are out there seeking. Thank you all!
So true! “Everything that can be lost will be lost.” Thank you!
Julia Cameron wrote, “I am a believer trying one more time to believe.” So are we all. Blessings, Caroline. The most common command in the Bible is “Fear not.”
Thank you, Dusty Su, for the person you are and the person you are becoming. Prayers and blessings as you go through this change. You will emerge as a butterfly!
Perfect!
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