"Taking Things with Gratitude" - October / November / December 2022
Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. It is a time
when we are urged to be grateful for our
blessings. We need this holiday because it is so
easy for us to forget just how blessed we are
each day. Being grateful is a key element in
happiness and in having a positive, healthy
outlook on life. In the book Spiritual Literacy by
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussert a chapter titled
“Gratitude” contains the following quote:
“Praise God” says the Hasidic teacher
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. “It puts everything
into proper place and perspective.” Gratitude
rejoices with her sister joy and is always ready to
light the candles and have a party. Gratitude
doesn’t much like the old cronies of boredom,
despair, and taking-things-for-granted. But they
are welcome to the party anyway because we
are grateful for everything. Let’s endorse British
writer GK Chesterton’s idea of “taking things
with gratitude and not taking things for
granted.”
Saying thank you to the Great Provider
is only part of a life of gratitude. Another side is
revealed by Protestant preacher Elton
Trueblood: “I find that the thing which I want to
put into practice in my own life is the conscious
and deliberate habit of finding somebody to
thank.” Say thank you to somebody who least
expects it from you today.
Gratitude paid to all around us becomes
a spiritual exercise. Show your gratitude to the
music that enchants, to the winter boots that
stand up to the wear and tear of the elements,
to the movie that brings tears to your eyes.
All of us have experienced times in our
lives that were so precious and special that if it
were possible we would have had time stand still
so we might live that moment forever. A good
time is a taste of God,” affirms John Aurelio, a
Catholic priest.
Feast on the moments that stand out in
your mind as precious enough to replay again
and again. Now repeat the mantra: “ A good
time is a taste of God.”
During this season of Thanksgiving may
you be especially grateful. May you feast on
those wonderful moments in your life from the
past, as well as the many blessings that are
before you and be thankful for having a taste of
God.
nd whom we love.”
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,
Rev. Leigh Pezet, Pastor
E-mail: lepez100@gmail.com
