It’s a gift to exist.
And with existence comes suffering.
There’s no escaping that.
But if you are grateful for your life,
then you need to be grateful for all of it.
~ Stephen Colbert
If I have to rely on other people to provide for some of my personal needs when I lack the ability to be independent and mobile, I’ll accept this…and be grateful.
If I feel left out, or unable to attend social events and other activities, I’ll visit happy memories of being present at previous gatherings….and be grateful.
If one more friend leaves my life through death, adding to the departed crowd of those I cherish, I’ll remember the qualities I loved about them…and be grateful.
If my bones ache, my heart beats too quickly, or my mind becomes clouded, I’ll enjoy the parts of my body that continue to support my well-being..and be grateful.
If another season arrives all too quickly and I sense death drawing closer, I’ll look for simple pleasures that transmit joy in surprising ways…and be grateful.
If I find myself caught in self-pity, I’ll reach beyond my thoughts and feelings to welcome glad times in the past when I have been loved…and be grateful.
If I feel annoyed or irritated for no particular reason other than being old, I’ll move beyond these despondent feelings so I can treasure the gift of life…and be grateful.
If I become fearful about what might become of me in the future, I’ll draw on my supply of inner resilience to face what tries its best to defeat me…and be grateful.
If I fall into discouragement about the continuation of war, poverty, and greed in the world, I’ll focus on the countless people who are choosing for good…and be grateful.
If I am no longer able to pray in the way I once did, or to feel the spiritual comfort I used to have, I’ll trust in the hidden presence of the Holy One…and be grateful.
Creator of my life, you remain with me as a faithful companion in spite of what tries to disturb my inner peace. When I turn to you at times such as this, I see more than adversity. There resides much within the twists and turns of my inner being for which to be grateful. Receive now my thankfulness for what enriches and consoles me.
~ Joyce Rupp , Vessels of Love
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