Saying a Grace
Growing up, a grace we said before a meal was “For that which we are about to receive, make us truly grateful.”
Of course, that seemed simple enough when I knew a plate of tasty food followed.
However as I think about that simple petition, I realize I have never prayed that at the beginning of each day . . . for that which I will receive when my feet hit the floor, God, make me truly grateful . . . believing that whatever is on my plate comes from the hands of Someone who knows just what I need.
I spend time thinking how I am and should be grateful for what I have been given — but not so much time for what’s coming down the pike.
Yet the petition is an attitude adjuster — especially when the day starts crazy; I don’t have to get crazy too.( Avoiding the Dry Drunks)
G. K. Chesterton observed, “When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” (The Denison Forum. )
Reinforcement
My friend sent me a photo of a bumper sticker she spied as she was leaving the hospital having coped with some really rough hours helping settling her mom in hospice:
Four words: “God’s Got This” . . .
Not to say, fifteen minutes from now life won’t hit me upside the head, taking away opportunities to choose.
You can’t run away from trouble.
There ain’t no place that far. ~Uncle Remus
So, today — right now — this very moment: I am grateful for one more reason to live, and not hide.
“This is the day which the Lord has made,” says Psalm 118. “Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (v. 24). Or weep and be sad in it for that matter. The point is to see it for what it is, because it will be gone before you know it. If you waste it, it is your life that you’re wasting. If you look the other way, it may be the moment you’ve been waiting for always that you’re missing.
All other days have either disappeared into darkness and oblivion or not yet emerged from it. Today is the only day there is. (Frederick Buechner)
OK: feet on the floor — here’s a new day and a way to dive in after saying a grace for gratitude:
What I do know for sure is that I have to repeatedly, consistently work at being content and thankful. I’ve gotten better with practice, but even this many years into mindfully working on gratefulness, I still have to catch myself and reframe my thoughts. ( The Frugal Girl: I have to Work at This)
Practicing Gratitude
How does it with you dear reader?
Whether our glass is half-empty or half full, the good news is we can refill them. Maybe not with adult beverages; with gratitude, just for today.
Love in Christ,
Sober and Grateful
PS: Here some links to lessons I am learning about Good Orderly Direction
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