Without typing a lot about the issues, Sue-and I have had a particularly difficult week. Thanksgiving for us was the bad day after Wednesday. We are not out of the tunnel yet, but there is a visible light in front of us. In large part this has come towards an end because of our family and a few friends.
Friendships and families are incredibly important. When they are cultivated and honest they can fill both sides with joy and love. We have been experiencing that this last few days.
My cyber-friend and favorite author Diana Butler-Bass been posting about thankfulness, and gratitude. Dealing with crisis with the help of my son, daughter-in-law, and friends has taught me a lot about thankfulness and gratitude.
While I am capable of thinking of this experience as very much a part of our shared faith, I think that may be way to simple. Yes, I believe that friendship is a gift from the Creator, and yes that belief is common. And yes those who lept to our aid when we really really needed help are all members of our parish. BUT, over the years, we have helped friends and family who are Christians, and friends who are not. And they have helped us.
As my oft quoted favorite song has it, "there's something happening here." And as my favorite theologian: Jesus of Nazareth observed, non-believers know how to give good gifts. Hmmm.
So here is what I think. Generosity, gratitude, and thankfulness are gifts from the Creator. We Christians must recognize them in others, members of our faith community or not. Then we need to practice them.
In any event, for now, Sue-z and I are very very grateful to our family and friends.
FWIW
3 comments:
Hi Dad,
I am glad you can find the positive during a rather stressful time. The tattoo on my shoulder references a verse in Corinthians: "Therefore my grace is sufficient for you; For my strength shall be made perfect in weakness." This verse reminds me of His strength lifting us up even when we think there is none left.
Hang in there. His strength will lift you up.
Love,
Christal
I am not nearly as positive as that. But I am tying to remember thankfulness, and gratitude. It is hard, but necessary.
FWIW
Hi Dad,
It can be a challenge to be positive all the day when confronted with stress on all sides. Just one thought for you--God knows the inner murmurings of our hearts even before we know what to say or ask for. The mystery of faith continues to challenge and inspire us all in our journey with Christ our Lord.
Christal
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