Where Do You Find Gratitude

The air is turning colder, the leaves are changing color, and falling to the ground. This can only mean one thing. It is time to once again put my gratitude foremost in my focus. The Early Settlers of our country began this tradition with the celebration of Thanksgiving. The harvest had been good and it was time for them to share the bounty that God had provided. I believe they too began with a prayer to the God of their understanding.

There was an old man once who tried to explain to me "God will provide what you can not provide for yourself. If you want potatoes you best grab a hoe." I questioned if I was doing the hoeing, planting, and harvesting why should I praise God? This wise old Wisconsin farmer just smiled and replied "Who gives you the strength to hoe, to plant and to harvest? Who gives you the sunshine, rain, and the willingness to get out of bed each day?" It was as if I had the "Light Bulb" go on. (think of the old Ford comercial with "Oh what an Idea!")

Perhaps this is why so many Farmers are closer to a Higher Power than us city folks. Who else would have the Faith to go to the bank, hat in hand, and borrow thousands of dollars for seed, fertilizer, and fuel for equipment every year? Who else, with the exception of the professional gambler, would take this kind of chance every year of their lives? Starting today when I ask God to bless the food I eat I will ask Him to bless the Farmers that grew it.

Perhaps this is why the men and women of our armed forces are closer to their Higher Power than we folks safe here at home. I know the ideals are to defend our way of life. I know there are times when the focus is just on staying alive. I know when the heat, the sand, and the boredom of our current conflict take over a person's mind, there is only One who can cure it. Starting today when I ask God for the courage and strength to face today's challenges I will ask for the same for our men and women in uniform.

I have known many Priests, Rabis, Shaman, and other Ministers. I have been blessed to have read the writings and stories about many other men and women in this profession. Thus far the simplest of these folks are the closest to the Higher Power I choose to call God. The humble Jewish Carpenter and His twelve drinking buddies that taught by examples. The humble little gal that worked with the sick on the streets of India. The quiet humble little Priest that pulled himself from the deep pit of alcoholism, The humble quiet Rabi that changed his morally decaying neighborhood with examples of love and acceptance. The Navajo Shaman that spoke volumes with examples of kindness, love, and acceptance. I'm sure you too have many examples to add to this list. These are the examples that flow into our lives. These are the examples I want to follow. Please God give me the courage and strength to know and live your will.

I have been taught the road to Spiritual growth is simple but not easy. I have been given thousands of examples to follow. Some I am not open minded enough to see until they are pointed out to me. I have been given exercises to help me find my own path to gratitude. Some I was unwilling to try until the pain of staying the same became greater than the pain of change. ( I am told I can be a bit stubborn)

In 2007 I wrote about the exercise of Gratitude that helps me from time to time. Y'all can read it @ http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/317698/the_abcs_of_my_gratitude.html?cat=9

Beware!! The AC SNAFU has the format messed up but the message is still quite clear. I must keep my gratitude in my mind and occasionally bring it to the forefront as a reminder that this is what causes me to grow Spiritually.

God has blessed me today. I have the strength and courage to write about my beliefs. I am blessed by living in a country where I can believe as I see fit. I can express myself in a manner that is acceptable to me. God bless America. God bless the land of the free. God please help my gratitude today. Mizpah