THANKSGIVING WORDS
by Dr. Arthur Chang
Sarah Ban Breathnach has a number of wonderful thoughts for us to contemplate during this period of Thanksgiving. These are the thoughts she gives to us:
Whatever we are waiting for-peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance-it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.
Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.
Authentic success is being so grateful for the many blessings bestowed on you and yours that you can share your portion with others.
Let thanksgiving for all that is, rise above the din of disappointment-opportunities lost, mistakes made, the clamor of all that has not yet come.
Offer grace for the bounty of goodness. Raise the song of harvest home, the glass of good cheer, the heart overflowing with joy. We have so much for which to be thankful; so much about which to smile, so much to share; so much that in this season of plenty; we can embrace the season of relinquishment. All we have is all we need.
Ernest Holmes says, "'In everything give thanks.' An attitude of gratitude is most salutary, and bespeaks the realization that we are now in heaven. How we love to do for those who co-operate with, and are grateful for, our small endeavors! Gratitude is one of the chief graces of human existence and is crowned in heaven with a consciousness of unity."
The key to being abundant is being grateful for what we already have: food, friends, money, family, country, government and world. So no matter how little our good may appear to be, know that as we are grateful and kind in sharing it, that good will multiply. We are enriched as we enrich others.
A BLESSING FOR THANKSGIVING
As the morning calls you to awake
May your eyes radiate the awe of beauty within.
As the palm trees sway in the wind but do not break
May you be flexible to meet change, yet stand tall.
As good fortune causes you to celebrate and sing
May you not lose the lessons of what was not good.
As this season causes you to feast
May you be thankful for but not forget the needy.
The good of life is seen most clearly
Through the lens of a grateful heart.
