There's something about mid-life that makes me more grateful than ever for my life, my family, my friends. The younger version of me took so much for granted--the later mid-life version of me knows that nothing should ever be taken for granted. There's something about travel, in particular travel to places where people struggle with poverty, with war, with fear, that makes me ever more aware of what I have and what I don't have.
One of the things that the folks I have encountered in places that can only be described as sad or desperate have is a sense of dependence on God. Their celebrations of faith and of the Liturgy are more vibrant than anything I have ever experienced anywhere else. They know something about God that I don't. How is it that they are more sure of their faith than I am, than we are? I might think that they have less to be thankful for than I do--or anyone else in America, for that matter. But the reality is that when it comes to spiritual matters----they know something about God that I don't know.
So, on this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all the gifts in my life----and not the stuff. I am grateful for this past year, and most especially for an amazing 9 day retreat in the Holy Land. The retreat continues to unfold and bring gifts that I didn't expect.
I am so grateful.
So, on this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all the gifts in my life----and not the stuff. I am grateful for this past year, and most especially for an amazing 9 day retreat in the Holy Land. The retreat continues to unfold and bring gifts that I didn't expect.
I am so grateful.
