Grateful

At this time of year, after all the fields have been harvested, the orchards have been picked over, the vines have been stripped of their fruit, humanity looks across the bounty to offer thanks. Granted, this is a picturesque description designed to cause reflection for many; others will scratch their head wondering how in a world of silicon and plastic any of these depictions offers them a sense of thankfulness. These fine individuals have succumbed to the onslaught of appointments, agendas, deadlines and gamesmanship in the age of immediacy.

But you’re breathing. A feat that many are not capable of performing for themselves without some assistance. Are you grateful for this?

You’re able to move. This too is a wonder in the midst of so many debilitating ailments which multitudes, young and old alike, find increasingly difficult to overcome. Are you grateful for this?

You’re able to eat. Consider the vast number of people who, for reasons beyond their control are unable to put food in their mouth, chew it and swallow. There are even those who once it has been swallowed are incapable to digest it or even keep it in their bodies for any period of time. Are you grateful for this?

Often gratitude is not for what we have but what we aren’t like. We examine others and breathe a thankful sigh of relief that we’re not like them simply because we don’t want something they have. The trouble is that we all do it, so in practice, we’re very much alike.

No one is grateful for tragedy. A loss, pain and suffering are not the realm for gratitude, particularly when you’re going through it. However, I’ve heard numerous accounts from people who are grateful after a divorce, a financial collapse, or a death of a spouse or loved one. Without this kind of change to their life they recognize that they would not be who they are today.

What are you grateful for? What do you want to recognize as being the cornerstone to who you are today? Can you seriously feel grateful for a mobile phone or laptop computer? Can 5,000 friends on social media be a basis of gratitude? Can thousands of dollars of debt be cause for celebration at this time of year?

Stop for a moment. Don’t follow the knee-jerk reaction so many of us fall into and offer gratitude for all that we have, or what we don’t want, or who we’re with so we don’t offend them, or any of a number of other socially acceptable practices. Just pause, close your eyes, breathe in deeply and clear your thoughts. Then ask yourself, “What am I grateful for right now?”

Whatever image, word, or sound you receive in response to the question is the true form of grace to you at this moment. Take time to honestly acknowledge your answer, to offer heart-felt gratitude. You don’t have to get emotional if you don’t want to; just be sincere. Don’t feel compelled to be all religious either, quoting whatever doctrinal blessing you’ve grown up with. Be true to the moment, directly from your heart.

I am grateful for each of you who have spent your precious time observing my meanderings on this platform. I am humbled how my words can offer you a respite from your daily routine or revitalize your purpose in living the life of grace you portray to so many. Thank you for your understanding and patience when I rant. May you enter into greater truths in the days, weeks and months ahead that open broader vistas with sharper clarity. Thanks, and as always, grace, lovingkindness and peace to you.