Monday, December 21, 2009

Thanksgiving


A very short reflection from Advent and Christmas, Wisdom From G. K. Chesterton.

Giving Thanks

The great saint may be said to mix all his thought with thanks. All goods look better when they look like gifts.
Saint Francis of Assisi

IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES GIVE THANKS

[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

PRAYER

Lord, it is not always easy for us to give you thanks. Teach us, we pray. Teach us to thank you when we would rather grumble. Teach us to see all that we have as gifts from you. Forgive our ungratefulness. May our first and last thoughts be thoughts mixed with thanks.

ADVENT ACTION

Pick a number between ten and twenty. As you go through your day, identify reasons to give thanks to God until you reach your number. If you reach your number early in the day try for a larger number.

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We are still to give thanks for all we are given. This is a season in which we do NEED to reflect upon all which we have been blessed. My goodness just think of it. I have a job. My family is all well and healthy. I have a roof to cover my head and warm clothes to cover my body.

Then, too, I must ask. What am I doing to show my gratitude? Is it just enough to be grateful or must I do something to show that gratitude. You see, I believe that because I have been so graciously blessed I have an obligation to share what I have with others...not just during this Holy Season, but all year. Maybe this is a time for me to add a charity in gratitude for these blessing. A gift II can carry with me and offer all year. What can you/I do to continue or begin to extend gifts to others because of the blessing you/I have received?

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Thanks be to God!!!!!

7 comments:

  1. That is a lovely and timely thought, Cathy. One thing that I am doing it saying "Merry Christmas" everywhere I go. I wish "Merry Christmas" to the grocery checker and baggers, to the policeman standing guard outside Wal-Mart, to my grandchildren when I see them and they hug me, when I answeer the telephone (boy, does that throw people off! Proof positive as to giving thanks!) ... AND I have made a HUGE effort to FORGIVE whatever needs to be forgiven and embrace those who have been estranged.

    Now I feel like going to my prayer place and giving thanks instead of unloading. God already knows what is in my heart ...

    MERRY CHRISTMAS, CATHY!
    Lovingly,
    Abbey

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  2. P.S. I can't believe I was the FIRST commentator! Gotta get up early, I reckon! LOL!

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  3. Amen!!! What wonderful words of wisdom!!

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  4. I love this post!
    And I love any exercise or reflection that helps me draw closer to God.
    Some people don't feel the need for such considerations, but they help me a great deal on my spiritual journey and I so appreciate them.
    Thank you!
    Merry Christmas!
    All the best,
    Eileen

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  5. Cathy, words we need to reflection on all the time. I pray as soon as I open my eyes in the morning and when I lay down at night, but do I always remember to be grateful. Afraid not. I forget. Thanks for reminding me. Thank goodness all my blogger buddies share faith with me. I love the works of G.K. Chesterton. I love the music too. Blessings to you and family.
    QMM

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  6. Cathy, I am so pleased and proud to have a friend who loves Jesus as much as I do....oh I am so thankful for my faith and my relationship with our heavenly Father....thank you for your beautiful prayers.....:-) Hugs

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Your insightful comments are appreciated and I want all to feel comfortable and welcome.