Tis the eve of Thanksgiving…..or as some think of it….two days before Black Friday. I think we miss the boat a lot of times in not paying more attention to this beautiful feast of gratitude. There isn't a person on the face of the earth who has not had to deal with loss….many life altering losses…..what comes to mind first and foremost, of course, is the death of a loved one. From there loss takes on many different faces…..the loss of one's health…job loss….home loss….financial worries….loss of self esteem, youth, limitations of aging. Let's face it….grief is hard work.
BUT in the midst of our losses and the disappointments of life, there ARE things to be grateful for. A wonderful Lutheran pastor, Granger Westberg, used to say "Practice an attitude of gratitude." I've suggested to people to write just one thing you are grateful for every day. It doesn't have to be earth shattering, or lengthy ….just simple….like today I'm grateful that our children are coming for the weekend. Actually that is a biggee!!!!!
I am also grateful that I have been blessed with a wonderful husband.
Today I'm grateful that our Christmas decorations are up….and that I found the angel ornament who changes colors….and the little hand crafted ornaments the kids have made….and the butterfly ornaments our son brought us from China….and all the little candles that are specific for Christmas…..all the things I pack away each year after Christmas along with the memories ….
But I'm also grateful that I have the ability to express myself….
that I'm not confined in any way….
that I can enter my church every morning and find solace in the stillness of the sanctuary….
I member how my Mom used to tell us she was from a different planet and that she had been sent here to teach people to love.
There are times, of course, when my broken heart aches for our little one, Meggan, and I don't feel much like celebrating…or finding anything to be grateful for at that moment….the clouds are dark and heavy, and I cannot see her light. But, I've come to learn that is okay and that at some point it will get better.
As we enter this season of gratitude, let us remember our blessings and keep focused on the good things. Take the difficult times moment by moment.
I wish you love….peace …. joy….and hope!
BUT in the midst of our losses and the disappointments of life, there ARE things to be grateful for. A wonderful Lutheran pastor, Granger Westberg, used to say "Practice an attitude of gratitude." I've suggested to people to write just one thing you are grateful for every day. It doesn't have to be earth shattering, or lengthy ….just simple….like today I'm grateful that our children are coming for the weekend. Actually that is a biggee!!!!!
I am also grateful that I have been blessed with a wonderful husband.
Today I'm grateful that our Christmas decorations are up….and that I found the angel ornament who changes colors….and the little hand crafted ornaments the kids have made….and the butterfly ornaments our son brought us from China….and all the little candles that are specific for Christmas…..all the things I pack away each year after Christmas along with the memories ….
But I'm also grateful that I have the ability to express myself….
that I'm not confined in any way….
that I can enter my church every morning and find solace in the stillness of the sanctuary….
I member how my Mom used to tell us she was from a different planet and that she had been sent here to teach people to love.
There are times, of course, when my broken heart aches for our little one, Meggan, and I don't feel much like celebrating…or finding anything to be grateful for at that moment….the clouds are dark and heavy, and I cannot see her light. But, I've come to learn that is okay and that at some point it will get better.
As we enter this season of gratitude, let us remember our blessings and keep focused on the good things. Take the difficult times moment by moment.
I wish you love….peace …. joy….and hope!
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