Giving Thanks
By finding a way to keep gratitude as a constant companion,
the blessings of joy and contentment become our reward.
-The Miracle Collectors
Over the years I have found that life is a lot more akin to Forrest Gump's infamous box of chocolates (you never know what you are going to get), than a bowl full of cherries (where life is always sweet). This year is no exception as we have had to deal with the death of close friends and family members, unexpected illnesses and injury, and the isolation and polarization that has come hand-in-hand with the pandemic.
And yet, today, Thanksgiving, is my favorite holiday. It's a time to take a breath, to think about the past, to celebrate what we are grateful for, and to go forward with hope. All this while cooking the prerequisite manicotti, turkey, goose, a myriad of colorful side dishes, and, of course, pie. For our far flung family this year Thanksgiving is also Christmas, New Year's, and Easter all rolled into one since we haven't been all together in over a year. That's a lot of celebration for any one holiday!
With three November birthdays, (one being a significant milestone for my husband), our three children took time out of their busy lives to gather three generations under one roof. An afternoon boat excursion together turned into far more than a day admiring the scenery when Bon Jovi's signature song Livin' A Prayer resulted in a spontaneous and booming refrain from the entire boat's passengers. As I sang along, I actually listened to the words (perhaps for the first time) and realized the message speaks to the situation we are currently experiencing. Times are rough and yet, "if we are together we are halfway there, we're actually livin' a prayer." I was reminded that there is a reverence in the notion of life as a prayer which sometimes gets forgotten in the midst of our fast-paced living.
That prayer to me has to be gratitude, it has to be acceptance, and it has to be the realization that our own time here on earth is somewhat limited. We have to make choices about how to live and how to be grateful "for what we've got," because in truth when "we have each other we all have a lot."
Like the Take a Miracle Moment Challenge questions in The Miracle Collectors, it got me thinking - what would it take to live life like a prayer? This is what I came up with (and I'd love to hear your additions as well):
1. Be Present and All In. Live life as the gift it is, acknowledging life's difficulties while celebrating and creating opportunities for good.
2. Be Brave. It's good to step out of our comfort zone - offer to help, make an effort even when it feels hard and you are uncertain about the outcome.
3. Be Aware. Notice what is around you and celebrate the beauty in a flower, the stars, an unexpected aroma that harkens back to a fond memory...all are free and yours for the taking.
4. Be Kind. Spread goodness and generosity of spirit, use words calmly to express sadness or disappointment, let go of what we think we deserve to appreciate what we have.
5. Be Grateful. Let perceived slights go, operate from a position of Thanksgiving every day from our hot shower and the smell of morning coffee to the roof over our head and our soft pillow at night.
As Bon Jovi says, "We've got to hold on to what we've got
We've got each other and that's a lot...
Woah, we're halfway there
Woah - Livin' a prayer...
Take my hand we'll make it I swear
Woah - livin' a prayer."
May we all strive to achieve a prayer filled life at Thanksgiving and in the seasons ahead. (Joan)