Gratitude

 

On Thursday of this week, we will celebrate the great tradition of Thanksgiving. Families will gather with loved ones and eat a bountiful feast.  As we enjoy being with family and friends let us take a moment to pause and thank our loving God for the many blessings bestowed on us.  May we always have grateful hearts and think of others at this time. So many people are struggling at this time.  As I prayed about Thanksgiving and what it means to me, I found this prayer from Xavier University which summarized the true meaning of gratitude for me.

Show My Gratitude

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my spirit soar.

Also, thank you, Lord, for keeping me safe. You protect me from those things that seem to haunt others. You help me make better choices and provide me with advisors to help me with life's difficult decisions. You speak to me in so many ways so that I always know you are here.

And Lord, I am so grateful for keeping those around me safe and loved. I hope that you provide me with the ability and sense to show them every day how much they matter. I hope that you give me the ability to give to them the same kindness they have provided to me.

I am extremely grateful for all of your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind of just how blessed I am and that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned acts of kindness.

By Kelli Mahoney