What Are You Grateful For?

With the holiday season in full swing, I’ve been reflecting upon gratitude, what I’m grateful for – my family, friends, colleagues, health, and love.

But in the rush of life, it’s often easy to forget what matters most. As a result, something to feel grateful for sometimes feels elusive, over the horizon. “I’ll be happy when_______” is the trap we easily fall into. I know I do.

If you’ve ever felt this way, wherever you are right now – on the train, on a flight, at home, shopping, or at work – I encourage to you pause, put on some headphones, and watch this video, or at least listen to it.

I encourage you to open your heart and mind to what you see and hear and let the message stir your soul.

Each moment, each experience, no matter how trivial it may seem, is important and special. The smell of grass, the crunch of snow under our feet (it’s winter here right now), the sunrise, holding hands…all of these are gifts that enrich our lives and those around us.

But we have to first stop and affirm that today is the only day we have to luxuriate in and therein lies its beauty.

As one commentator put, ” this day is new, special and just as important as the last.”

I am both grateful and humbled by this truth and it is here I find freedom and purpose.

Enjoy this gift from Br. David Steindl-Rast.