Gratitude

G …Give thanks every day, including for all the small things in life.

        I was swimming in the ocean the other day, in my new full-length wetsuit.  This was the first time in my life that I swam in our ocean here in San Diego in November.  My new swim wet suit has opened a door for me. 

       I felt a deep sense of gratitude to God for food and for my health. So many people are hungry, while others I know are suffering physically.  Although there were a few surfers on one side and a few kayakers on the other side of me, I was alone in the swimming section. Well, the pelicans were with me. And some leopard sharks. (They are harmless). But I didn’t feel alone since God was with me.  When I am in the water, I am immersed in God’s love and joy.

R…Reflect on positive memories this season.

     Some family members have passed. Some are estranged. Although I have grieved over the loss, I choose to reflect on the good times we had together, even if it was only for a season.  The tree outside my window is beautiful with its multi-colored leaves. Soon those leaves will fall, and the tree will be barren. Hope is around the corner with new life in the spring.

I am grateful to be with my husband and grown daughters, who enjoy spending time with me.

I pray for God’s best for those people who were for a season in my life. I learned something from them and perhaps they did from me.

A…Accept yourself for who you are.

     Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, past mistakes, regrets, and resentments, choose to focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and contentment.  Let go of the past but keep the lesson learned.

    In my younger years, I didn’t handle conflict well, as it felt like rejection. Over the years of much healing, I am more grounded as the Beloved and willing to face it now. A family member said they didn’t want to see us at the Holidays. Ouch. But I noticed I was still standing like a soldier with the armor of God on. It felt like a dart instead of a sword. I was able to feel the hurt, grieve, and let it go. Someone looked at me and said, “How did you get there?”  I replied, “Being grounded as the Beloved.”

    Like a tree, let those roots be firmly grounded so when the storm comes up, I am still standing. I’m worth being with, even if someone else doesn’t think so.

T…Time is a gift. I spend time with God every day. I talk to Jesus like a friend. I feel seen, heard, and loved.  He speaks to me in the silence, the scriptures, and in nature—especially the ocean.

   Spend time with the One who loves you the most.

I…Invite God into your feelings. Whether it is painful or joyful, I can hold both. I choose to dwell on the joy this season. I love the bright lights at night. A discovery for me are fairy lights. They don’t look like much in the tiny box, but when I arrange them and flip the switch, they light up magically and put a smile on my face.

    Name 3 things that made you feel joy today. Invite God in to relish in the joy received today.

T…Thanksgiving is something Jesus asks of us.  When he healed the ten lepers, only one returned to thank him.  He said, ‘What happened to the other nine?”  But what he did NOT do is become resentful or mad at the nine or say, “Well, I won’t give them anything anymore.” 

    Although nothing can separate us from God’s love, He cherishes a grateful heart. And it is for our benefit.  Be thankful for what you have, let go of what you do not.

U…Understanding.  Jesus understands your pain. He suffered tremendously on the cross. He experienced rejection from his own family, except for his mother. He moved on. Mark 3 tells us the story of Jesus’ family going to Capernaum to try to control him, bring him back to Nazareth saying, “He is out of his mind.”

Jesus did not let anyone, including them, control him. He did not return to Nazareth with them. He chose to do the will of his Father.  He commented in return, “These people here, who do the will of my Father, are my mothers, brothers, and sisters.”  

D…God delights in you.  I have journeyed with many people who don’t believe this is true.  Some say, “I know God loves me, but does God like me?”  “How can God delight in me when my prayers go unanswered?”  “He doesn’t love me because I am suffering.”   I don’t have answers for this. But I believe God has my back. He knows what is best for me. He comforts me when I am down. He delights over me with singing.  And you, too.

Choose some activities that bring delight this season. I have several small gatherings with family and friends. I am going to see the lights at the Midway Museum, San Diego Safari Park, and the Zoo. On other nights, I drive around the neighborhoods that go all out with Christmas lights.

May you know how much God delights in you.

E…Eat!  I am so grateful for food. We just had a lovely Thanksgiving with my family enjoying Turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings. This time of year, is filled with goodies. Harry and David’s dark chocolate truffles are my favorites.

I thank God for chocolate!