Reflection
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. 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) 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
Above all, let us not forget to thank: if we are bearers of gratitude, the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope. The world needs hope. And with gratitude, with this habit of saying thank you, we transmit a bit of hope
Pope Francis.
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
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
What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of the spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected.
Chief Seattle
Be thankful for what you have and you will end up having more. But if you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never, ever have enough.
Oprah Winfrey