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Gratefulness
Gratefulness is lifestyle, an attitude for living, for approaching life – each and every component of it. Finding the lessons, blessings….
Today I will look more deeply at playing wit my 6-yr-old grandson instead of just giving him things to do. Not entertaining him, but playing with him. How long has it been since I played?
Do not: eat refined sugar, gluten or too much dairy; overthink, over-analyze, or imagine scenarios that are never likely to be reality, including what others are thinking about me; put off doing what I really want and need to do, but don’t over schedule myself so that I can be present now; forget to tell my family and friends how much I love them and appreciate them. And most of all, do NOT make too long a list of things to do or not do.
I am sure I am missing being kind to someone every day. But I try never to be unkind to anyone.
So many things…being in nature – the mountains, the beach, the lake; leading Bible study; hosting gatherings for my whole family; planning and leading worship; planning family vacations; – lots of things. My issue is making myself leave my house, or to actually do the things.
For Christmas I gave each person in my family a roll of toilet paper made from recycled paper. The name of the company that produces it is “Who Gives a Crap”. That in and of itself made everyone laugh. Then I told my teenaged grandson he had just gotten recycled toilet paper for Christmas from his Gammers. He said, “EWWWEE.” We all burst out laughing.
This is a very challenging question. Living in a community that does not recycle does not help. So my husband and I recycle and take these bags to a town 40 miles away. I have no idea what they do with it, so I’m still troubled. I try to support companies that recycle, buy products that are not over-packaged, and be mindful of the amount of electricity, gas, water and other forms of natural resources I am using that may contribute to my carbon footprint. I have often thought of doing so...
This is a very challenging question. Living in a community that does not recycle does not help. So my husband and I recycle and take these bags to a town 40 miles away. I have no idea what they do with it, so I’m still troubled. I try to support companies that recycle, buy products that are not over-packaged, and be mindful of the amount of electricity, gas, water and other forms of natural resources I am using that may contribute to my carbon footprint. I have often thought of doing something like Cathy is doing. Just maybe 2020 is the year I will.
I resonate with Cathy who said when she gets in a loop of “self” she knows it’s time to serve others. That’s my story. And every single time I reach out to serve – visiting in the hospital, nursing home, volunteering in the Food Pantry or Thrift Store or spending time with children in some way – every single time I think, “Why don’t I do this all the time?”
I want to travel – like really travel, explore, engage with my surroundings, and those new to me – with people, and places and food and scenery, nature and history, sky and sea. But what holds me back is lack of funds to do this. I also want to learn new things – take courses, explore new ideas, sit in classrooms with professors, or teachers or skilled artists to practice what might be a new skill or art or ability for me. But what holds me back is the lack of funds and bein...
I want to travel – like really travel, explore, engage with my surroundings, and those new to me – with people, and places and food and scenery, nature and history, sky and sea. But what holds me back is lack of funds to do this. I also want to learn new things – take courses, explore new ideas, sit in classrooms with professors, or teachers or skilled artists to practice what might be a new skill or art or ability for me. But what holds me back is the lack of funds and being in a place that has these offerings readily available. I don’t like living a life out of a perspective of what I don’t have. But living in rural America on limited income is -well – limiting. And I hate that.
I have a gift for listening to others, letting them tell their story and helping them hear themselves. I have a gift to teaching and for storytelling, and try to weave the two together. I have a gift for planning, scheduling, resourcing. My hope and prayer this year is that I will find some place(s) where I can use some or all of these gifts in some volunteer efforts in my new community and retirement.
I feel energized when I facilitate a Bible study and people in the study get energized by it. I feel energized when my house is full of my kids and grandkids, or when I am in a houseful of other extended family. I feel energized when I am learning something new that grabs my spirit. I feel energized when I am in a new place – whether its an airport, a busy city or on a quiet beach or mountain retreat. Thanks for asking this question.
Do no harm; Do good; and Stay in Love with God. (John Wesley)
Being taken to a loving church community every Sunday of my life through my teen years; the death of my daddy at age 12; spending time in the mountains or at the beach or as an adult in any nature setting; leading worship; being handed the trust of individuals who asked me to pray for them; these are just some…
Given my seminary and ordered training in the church I have a definition on the tip of my tongue that I’m able to roll off in an instant, when asked by those who require it of me. But in reality, the definitions many of you have expressed are so much more appropriate. In my experience Grace cannot be defined as it is experienced. It is different for everyone. But however it comes to you throughout your life, it is a good gift of the Divine Mystery – not earned or striven for, simp...
Given my seminary and ordered training in the church I have a definition on the tip of my tongue that I’m able to roll off in an instant, when asked by those who require it of me. But in reality, the definitions many of you have expressed are so much more appropriate. In my experience Grace cannot be defined as it is experienced. It is different for everyone. But however it comes to you throughout your life, it is a good gift of the Divine Mystery – not earned or striven for, simply given out of Love.
As a person of grace, a person of compassion who listens with love, and all that love entails. So many other good responses here. I want to be remembered with joy and laughter.
I Know that I am a beloved child of God. I know that I am a part of something bigger than myself. I know that God is LOVE, and that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. I know that my purpose is to make a difference for LOVE while I am here. I know that one day I will die and leave this world as I know it.
By thinking before I speak…is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Knowledgable?
A better world would look, to me, like a world where ALL are accepted and respected, regardless of lifestyle, race, gender identity, tattoos, age, where they live or reside, what their life story holds…where patience is in huge supply and kindness abounds. Where respect of others guides how we relate to each other, while still holding ourselves and others accountable. A world held together by compassion.
For the second time this week I am reminded how blessed I am to live with electricity, clean running water, good plumbing and sanitation, internet, etc. And as I consider my gratitude for these gifts, I am reminded how frustrated and, at times, even angry or anxious I get when they are not working in my favor. May I find creative solutions for being grateful for these unseen basics and appreciate more fully the people who make sure I have working access to them.
Good thoughts and ideas. I hope you are able to flesh those out in concrete ways.
Thank you for sharing this story. It makes good preaching fodder… And a powerful message.
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We are delighted to announce the release of Kristi Nelson’s book Wake Up Grateful
