Thanksgiving comes but once a year; why not every day? Not the meal, family gatherings, and over-stuffing. I'm talking about the "giving thanks" part.
As we gather around the table in the coming week, I wonder if instead of an impersonal rote recitation of formal grace, our heavenly father would be more pleased if we spoke individually from our hearts and thanked Him for our many blessings.
The tenets of the world's religions dictate the specific prayers and ways for followers to express thanks. Some may call me a non-conformist because I don't follow ritual. I pray, but not on bended knee at the side of my bed, not on a padded kneeler in a church pew, not in a darkened closet, not on a pallet on the floor with hundreds of others.
It is my personal belief that God Almighty hears me when I rise in the stillness of the morning, when I am driving, or walking down a busy street, when I'm in the classroom, boardroom, or bathroom. No matter how far away I am from Him, I know He is always near to me, waiting for the reach of my hand, my heart and soul. In the hustle and bustle of everyday living, it is easy to forget or fall out of step.
I don't wait for a specific time or day to pray. I ask blessings and protection for family, loved ones and complete strangers. When I peruse Face Book and come across a plea for prayer, I beseech God to help or heal, His will be done. I thank Him for my eyes when I see His handiwork in the face of my great-grandchild, a leaf on a tree, the snow-covered ground. Before I stuff a dark chocolate covered pretzel thin in my mouth, I thank God that I have plenty, and I pray for those who don't have enough. I thank Him for my health and pray for the health of others.
Instead of always pleading, I make it a habit to say thanks.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I intend to bend God's ear as I gratefully enumerate my blessings.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I intend to bend God's ear as I gratefully enumerate my blessings.
How about you?
Published 11/14 Pallonttine Restorative Center Blog
8 comments:
I seem to pray all the time too Linda.
Happy Thanksgiving.
sandie
Beautiful thoughts - and so true.
My day is filled with prayer. This is a very sweet reminder.
www.patwahler.com
I'm very informal about it, but every day I give thanks for what I have, and I ask that those who need help can find their way.
Linda--I certainly have lots to be thankful for. I hope your holiday is wonderful.
Lovely post, Linda. I pray throughout the day and until I drift off to sleep. So deeply grateful for everything, including you! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your entire family. Hugs. Susan
You might have been describing me, Linda, instead of yourself. It seems we're spun from the same cloth in this. And, fortunately, there is no limit to the amount of gratitude we are able to feel and express! You and your wonderful writing are things I'm grateful for. I hope your Thanksgiving was a delight.
I also pray whenever the thought crosses my mind all through the day and not at a predetermined time. God is always listening.
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