Thursday, or Thereabouts - October 4, 2018

Thanksgiving sits on the doorstep and my days are full of food shopping, cleaning and cooking, which doesn't leave much room for 'Thanks-giving'.

Today I pause at the start of a busy day to consider this offering of gratitude from the heart and hand of Joyce Rupp.

"We are grateful for

eyes that see and ponder, 

for taste buds that know the sensuous pleasures of eating and drinking, 

for hands that hold and touch and feel, 

for ears that can delight in music and the voice of a friend, 

for a nose that can smell the aroma of newly mown grass or delicious food, 

and can also breathe the air that gives us life."

"We are grateful for

the treasure of loved ones

whose hearts of openness and acceptance have encouraged us to be who we are. 

We are grateful for their faithfulness, for standing by us when our weaknesses stood out glaringly, 

for being there when we were most in need 

and for delighting with us in our good days and our joyful seasons."

"We are grateful for

the eyes of faith, for believing in the presence of God, 

giving us hope in our darkest days, encouraging us to listen to our spirit’s hunger, 

and reminding us to trust in the blessings of God’s presence in our most empty days." 

"We are grateful for

the ongoing process of becoming who we are, 

for the seasons within, for the great adventure of life 

that challenges and comforts us at one and the same time."

"We are grateful for

the messengers of God - people, events, written or spoke words - 

that came to us at just the right time and helped us to grow."

Joyce Rupp; May I have this Dance? ©1992 Ave Maria Press; p. 151

Thanksgiving Blessings!

©2018 April Hoeller