November 2021
Reflections of God's Goodness
Is your glass half empty or half full?! If you look at the two glasses, they will look the same—however, they are oh so different. When we approach our lives with an abundance mentality, we find delight in every small joy. We plug in to Jesus’ words,
“. . . I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
Friends, as we move toward Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I invite you to prepare by becoming more intentional in thanking God and to develop your own “attitude of gratitude.”
Did you know there is actually a science of gratitude? Studies and research have proven that a gratitude practice will improve the quality of your life by cultivating positive emotions and can even have a positive impact on your physical health!
A grateful heart reminds us to trust God and to remember and recognize that we have so much to be thankful for. Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians,
“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Thanking God in all circumstances is a choice we make. It is saying, ‘Yes’ to God’s will for us. We can recall Mary’s response and praise and thank the Lord God for His many blessings.
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. . . .The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”
Let us resolve to join the psalmists in praying,
“I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous deeds.”
How can we help ourselves cultivate gratitude? We can begin by reflecting on our life and attitude. We can resolve to keep a gratitude journal or jar; we can count our blessings on a regular basis and post a sign where we will see it asking, “What am I grateful for today?” We can write a note to someone to express our gratitude for their presence in our life.
Let us pray for one another that our eyes will be opened and our hearts moved to gratitude at the generosity of God in our lives. “Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. . . .” (Colossians 4:2)
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
We thank you, then Creator, for all things bright and good, the seed-time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food. Accept the gifts we offer for all your love imparts, and what you most would welcome: our humble, thankful hearts. All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above, then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love.
