There is so much disturbing news in the world today that I think we tend to see only the bad around us and forget to be thankful for the good. I propose that we spend a little time counting our simple blessings and joys as an antidote to the “blues”. No matter who we are or where we live there is always something to be grateful for and to enjoy.
I live in a rural part of Minnesota near the Canadian border. I have much to be thankful for. As I am a lover of natural beauty, a beauty which is but a dim reflection of the glory of God, when I think of my blessings I usually think of the natural beauty by which I am surrounded. Every sunset painting the sky with glory is a joy to me. When the sunset is poised over a calm lake, silhouetting islands dotted with pines; and there is no sound but the lonely wails of the loons and the soft lapping of minute waves against the rocks, I think the moment is a foretaste of the peace and beauty of heaven.
Clouds with their varied formations, especially when their undersides are gilded by the rising or setting sun, are a treat for the eyes. When the clouds mount up into massive cumulonimbus formations, commonly called anvil-heads, they are a treat for the child in me as well. Such clouds with their potential for destruction make my adrenaline rise! When the storm finally breaks, unleashing blinding flashes of lightning, earth-shaking claps of thunder and torrents of rain lashed by the fury of wind, it is a sight to behold. At times, it is a frightening experience which involves a mad dash to the basement and minutes spent cowering in a corner praying for protection from the elements. Even then there is something to be thankful for, such as a basement! During such times, when I realize what a coward I can be, I wonder what the Last Judgment will be like. If the natural fury of a storm can be so terrifying, what will the anger of God be like to experience? Such storms are powerful motivators for an examination of conscience and an amendment of life.
The beauty and simplicity of flowers is incredible. Look closely at a flower and you will be amazed at the intricacy and delicacy of each petal and stamen. Even the most common wildflower is a marvel of creation. I often wonder if those who do not believe in God have ever looked closely at a flower. That such beauty and intricacy can spring from a little seed is living testimony of the existence and goodness of the Creator. Whenever I am feeling low, a sweeping glance over a meadow of wildflowers is enough to pick me up. The mixture of colors from the many different flowers and the varied greens of stems, leaves and grasses comprise a masterpiece of art from the hand of God.
Last in order, though first in importance, I am grateful for my Catholic faith, my homeland, my husband and my family. What a great gift the Catholic faith is, and how misunderstood and unappreciated it remains to so many! What a great gift family is, and yet how many people in the press of duties forget to make time for and to appreciate their loved ones. To love and be loved is a great blessing! Finally, we do well to remember that living in a country where we are free is something to thank God daily for. The world is full of oppression and many of its people would give their lives to enjoy the freedom we take for granted.
The next time we are tempted to grumble, or we are feeling down in the dumps, let’s take a moment to count our blessings. We may be surprised to find they outnumber our trials!
I live in a rural part of Minnesota near the Canadian border. I have much to be thankful for. As I am a lover of natural beauty, a beauty which is but a dim reflection of the glory of God, when I think of my blessings I usually think of the natural beauty by which I am surrounded. Every sunset painting the sky with glory is a joy to me. When the sunset is poised over a calm lake, silhouetting islands dotted with pines; and there is no sound but the lonely wails of the loons and the soft lapping of minute waves against the rocks, I think the moment is a foretaste of the peace and beauty of heaven.
Clouds with their varied formations, especially when their undersides are gilded by the rising or setting sun, are a treat for the eyes. When the clouds mount up into massive cumulonimbus formations, commonly called anvil-heads, they are a treat for the child in me as well. Such clouds with their potential for destruction make my adrenaline rise! When the storm finally breaks, unleashing blinding flashes of lightning, earth-shaking claps of thunder and torrents of rain lashed by the fury of wind, it is a sight to behold. At times, it is a frightening experience which involves a mad dash to the basement and minutes spent cowering in a corner praying for protection from the elements. Even then there is something to be thankful for, such as a basement! During such times, when I realize what a coward I can be, I wonder what the Last Judgment will be like. If the natural fury of a storm can be so terrifying, what will the anger of God be like to experience? Such storms are powerful motivators for an examination of conscience and an amendment of life.
The beauty and simplicity of flowers is incredible. Look closely at a flower and you will be amazed at the intricacy and delicacy of each petal and stamen. Even the most common wildflower is a marvel of creation. I often wonder if those who do not believe in God have ever looked closely at a flower. That such beauty and intricacy can spring from a little seed is living testimony of the existence and goodness of the Creator. Whenever I am feeling low, a sweeping glance over a meadow of wildflowers is enough to pick me up. The mixture of colors from the many different flowers and the varied greens of stems, leaves and grasses comprise a masterpiece of art from the hand of God.
Last in order, though first in importance, I am grateful for my Catholic faith, my homeland, my husband and my family. What a great gift the Catholic faith is, and how misunderstood and unappreciated it remains to so many! What a great gift family is, and yet how many people in the press of duties forget to make time for and to appreciate their loved ones. To love and be loved is a great blessing! Finally, we do well to remember that living in a country where we are free is something to thank God daily for. The world is full of oppression and many of its people would give their lives to enjoy the freedom we take for granted.
The next time we are tempted to grumble, or we are feeling down in the dumps, let’s take a moment to count our blessings. We may be surprised to find they outnumber our trials!
1 comment:
I agree with this. I try to count my blessings each day, but have got into that "too much on my mind and wondering if I could have done better that day" kind of thing.
Berda
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