Reflection
Most of us live holding to the past or looking to the future with little time being focused on the now. Yet, this moment of life is all we can be sure we have. We can learn from animals the peace of living in the moment. “Animals are fully present. Through their unconditional acceptance of each moment they can sometimes draw even us into it. ”(Gratefulness.org) As we reflect on time and the passage of time, we realize that we seldom stop long enough to be grateful for life and all that has brought us to the experience of now. Those who learn to be gratefully present to every moment reflect a message of courageous presence and creative acceptance no matter what the moment brings.
Prayer
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify God with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30
Action
Do you make it a habit to be at peace and grateful for the many little things in life you tend to take for granted? How many people can you think of who have benefited your life in the past? Do you value how animals teach us gratefulness?
Suggested Reading
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Thessalonians 5:18
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power
Come and see what God has done,
How awesome God’s works on our behalf!”
Psalm 66
“Live in the present”. There is no better time for us: now, here and now, is the one and only time to do good, to make our life a gift. Let us live in the present!
Pope Francis
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha
God is always coming to you in the Sacrament of the Present Moment. Meet and receive God there with gratitude in that sacrament.
Evelyn Underhill
Most people treat the present moment as if it were an obstacle that they need to overcome. Since the present moment is life itself, it is an insane way to live.
Eckhart Tolle
In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.
Brother David Steindl-Rast
Life gives you plenty of time to do whatever you want to do if you stay in the present moment.
Deepak Chopra
Do not ruin today with mourning tomorrow.
Catherynne M. Valente
We have to get back to the beauty of just being alive in this present moment.
Mary McDonnell
Usually, people have a tendency to be caught in the worries concerning the future or in the regret concerning the past. There is some kind of energy that is pushing them to run, and they are not able to establish themselves in the present moment.
Thich Nhat Hanh