I'm joined in the blogging challenge by several other wonderful women who are part of a community calling themselves RevGalBlogPals. You can see the graphic over on the right. One of these women wrote a beautiful reflection on gratitude today. You can read it here:
http://sarahbuildsbridges.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/sneaky-gratitude/
I must admit that in the excitement of planning for the advent season (which starts in three weeks!), I have been allowing this season of Thanksgiving here in the US to get away from me. Between getting everything together for All Saints Day and searching for Advent Liturgies - I've forgotten this important time.
I've not forgotten to be grateful. Some of you know my harrowing story of the cruise control with a mind of its own. I'm grateful that it wasn't worse and that I was able to think clearly enough to get the car home (180 miles). Oh yes, I'm grateful. But am I slowing down long enough to really feel the gratitude and express it to God? Am I just saying words while I'm also loading the washer? Am I really taking the time to focus on my spiritual and prayer life. I'm sad to say the answer is no.
I thought about writing that I was ashamed to say no but I changed my mind. I know that God doesn't want me to be ashamed, God wants me to do better. Getting caught up in the self-recrimination is, simply put, self-centered. It disguises and distorts my sincere feelings of gratitude.
So - here's what I'm going to do. I'm setting aside 15 minutes each and every day to just sit silently and be grateful. I don't have to name everything I'm grateful for, I just need to be grateful. This is about acknowledging the gifts I have been given and recognizing the source of those gifts is God.
What do you do to express your gratitude to others and to God?
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