Man in prayer
We have all heard the benefits of living a life of gratitude. There’s so much to be grateful for; many of us say a prayer of gratitude daily or at least now and then.
I’m reminded again of the woman described in Corrie Ten Boom’s book, The Hiding Place, who as a prisoner in a Polish concentration camp during WW2, was grateful for the fleas. I’ve written about her in the past – “Can we be thankful for fleas?”, published Nov 25, 2015. I hope none of my readers have fleas to be thankful for.
My life has been blessed, very blessed, and my list is long. I’m grateful for family, country, faith, rain, good weather, success; you know, the usual things. But, sometimes I get a little bored with the same things over and over. I even imagine God gets tired of listening long before my prayer is through.
A few weeks ago I read a column by a minister, somewhere, who said we should look each day for a different person who has portrayed some character or action we admire. Thank them on the spot, remember them in our nightly list, and try to emulate them in the future.
I have been trying that and what a great experience it has been!
The grocery check-out clerk who waited patiently for me to find my credit card; the Fed Ex man who took a minute to photograph Mary and me standing in our shorts and sandals on a bright sunny December day in front of our outdoor Nativity Set; Deacon Jim who gave an interpretation of Isaiah 8:14 as Christ as a stumbling block; the gave the man who gave us good advice on framing our bathroom mirrors; Father Joe’s homily; and yesterday the father of a Boy Scout who helped a group of Scouts working on an Eagle project.
Just a few of the people whom I was grateful for being in my life. I need to be more like them.
I agree with that unknown pastor, it’s good as we recite our prayers of gratitude to think back on our day and remember those who helped, inspired, or motivated us and add then to our prayers.
Remember to share your experiences with those you love.