In gratitude - No better way to live

The last year or so has been particularly difficult for many people. The economy has not fully recovered yet. Food prices are going through the roof. The price of rent keeps going up and buying a house is just a dream for many young families.

As the population ages, accessing good medical care is getting harder all the time. When good things happen on our lives, we barely have time to see it and another shock rocks our little corner of the world. Sickness and illness can drain our energy and lead us to despair.

One way to avoid this trap is to be grateful for what we have. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude. At the end of every day we should recall all the blessing of the day in a spirit of gratitude.

This is the way we deepen our awareness of God as present and active in our lives. In that context we can examine our response to God’s gifts. We look at how much God has done for us, and how much He has given us.

We are reminded of all the generous gifts we have received. This deepens our sense of being truly loved and cared for, giving us the confidence to face the future with hope, rather than being trapped in our own petty fears and grievances.

Knowing how much we have been given inspires us to want to give in return. It makes a difference.

We all have so many gifts for which we should be grateful:
Our parents who loved us into existence and all those who have nourished, protected and guided us
Our food, shelter, security and all the other necessities of life. These are God’s gifts and do not happen without the labor, commitment and cooperation of many other people.
The beauty of creation all around us that brings us life and joy.
Our family, friends and other relations who enrich and sustain us in so many ways.
Our faith and all the ways we live it out in worship, prayer, community and service.

There are often other things that happen that we may feel we do not want to thank God. Perhaps someone damages your car. You need to get it fixed, the cost, the inconvenience. Maybe your health is not as good as it could be. We complain about the pain, the many medical appointments. We complain about putting money in our homes. We are upset about how little a dollar buys at the grocery store. We are upset when family members don’t get along.

We forget that many would give anything to have these little problems. Think about the family who lost a loved one in a car accident. Look at people who have lost loved ones to the many serious diseases out there. Think about those that do not have a good place to live. Think about the seniors who have no family or friends and live in isolation. Remember those that have to decide between buying food and paying rent.

Being thankful and grateful to others is something that we need to express more often. Saying thank you to a restaurant worker. Saying thank you to the one delivering your mail. Saying thank you to your doctor. And don’t forget to thank God for the great gift of life.

May God bless you and give you a Thanksgiving full of peace, joy and love.

Deacon John Girolami DTS
SSVP Spiritual Advisor ONRC