When I think about the people I admire most, there is one attitude prevalent in all their lives: gratitude.
I am most profoundly touched by individuals who have been dealt an awful hand in life, who have suffered tremendous pain and sorrow, yet accept it joyfully with thanksgiving.
I like to think I have this same attitude- that I am thankful for whatever God gives me. But that would be a lie.
Many times I feel sorry for myself when things turn south. I try to bring some good out of bad situations, but I fail to recognize that the suffering IS the good! How easy is it for us to be thankful for the positive things in our lives, but not the negative?
St. Josemaria Escriva once said,
“Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because he gives you this and that. Because you have been despised. Because you haven’t what you need or because you have. Thank him for everything, because everything is good.”
He instructs us to give thanks when we are being despised, when we haven’t gotten what we need, because ALL is good.
This week in the United States, we are celebrating thanksgiving- a time when we surround ourselves with loved ones and reflect on all the blessings the Lord has given us. In the past, I’ve often focused on all the good things in my life- my health, my family, my talents and treasures. But this year, I want to do something different, and I want to invite you to join me.
In addition to thanking the Lord for all the positives in my life, I also want to make a conscious effort to thank Him for all the trials and suffering I have experienced in the last year, especially now. I want to thank Him for it all because all is good and all is grace.
[ctt template=”11″ link=”g4dYC” via=”yes” ]”Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because he gives you this and that. Because you have been despised. Because you haven’t what you need or because you have. Thank him for everything, because everything is good.” -Josemaria Escriva[/ctt]
Why Should I be Thankful?
Now you might be thinking, “No I’m not thankful for my suffering or my pain. I don’t want it in my life!”
Well then, friend, as hard as it is to understand, you need to widen your eyes of faith. For it is only through faith that we can recognize value in suffering and the beauty of the cross. The cross is our path to salvation- it is our gift from the Father.
It is an opportunity to combine our sufferings with the sufferings of Christ on Calvary. To comfort Christ on the cross. To offer up our sorrows for the salvation of souls.
St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi once said,
“I do not desire to die soon, because in Heaven there is no suffering. I desire to live a long time because I yearn to suffer much for the love of my Spouse, Jesus.”
That quote right there depicts the essence of sainthood- of holiness. To suffer and suffer well is what we are called to do in this life. From a worldly perspective, that may sound straight up depressing. But from a Christian perspective, we should understand that suffering is our call to holiness, so we should embrace it wholeheartedly.
It’s not depressing. It’s a beautiful gift to rejoice in.
So until we recognize that, we will never be able to be grateful for the bad things in our lives.
[ctt template=”11″ link=”XM7OT” via=”yes” ]”To suffer and suffer well is part of our call to holiness.” #beautifuldepths[/ctt]
Ways to Practice Gratitude
And I get it’s A LOT easier to practice gratitude for life’s joys. It’s easy to raise our eyes to heaven and say “thank you” for all the good things we’ve got going. But what about the bad? How can we learn to be thankful for the people and things that cause us suffering? Here are some ideas.
- Make a List: Go on the notes section of your phone, or get out an old fashioned pen and paper. Write down all of the things (or people) that are causing you pain, anxiety, or suffering at the moment. Keep this list by your bedside and look at it at least once a day. Thank God for each of the things on that list. If they are people, lift them up in prayer.
- Stop Complaining: This is a tough one, but necessary if we want to embrace all God gives us with joy. I’m not saying to bundle up your problems that you need to talk about. I’m saying that when you have minor inconveniences (like an injury, headache, bad blister, etc) you don’t have to whine about it all day. Thank Jesus for it and carry on your day with the joy of a small cross.
- Get Outside Yourself: Oftentimes part of our problem is that we are so focused on ourselves and our issues all the time. So maybe intentionally try to volunteer with an organization or help someone out that struggles with similar things as you. Oftentimes the people we encounter through volunteering impact us more than we impact them. Allow your eyes and hearts to be opened through the giving of yourself.
- Go to Mass: This should probably be #1 on this list, but I’m just saving the best for last! The Mass is the highest form of prayer here on earth. Christ comes down in flesh and blood in the Eucharist to tell us personally how much He loves us. Go receive Him today. Spend time with Him. When we contemplate all that He is, there is no way you can continue to sulk in your sorrows. The Mass draws us to gratitude when we receive the Word made flesh. Not Catholic? Spend some time in prayer and scripture meditating on the life of Christ and how He handled inconveniences and crosses with joyful acceptance.
Go Live Joyfully
So this thanksgiving, I want to invite you to join me in being thankful for it ALL- the good AND the bad. Everything is a gift. Everything is a grace.
If we truly believed that with our hearts, Satan wouldn’t stand a chance in bringing us down. The saints were joyful because they recognized the beauty in the sufferings in life- all the inconveniences big and small.
So recognize the gift you have been given today and go live joyfully, friends!
And happy early thanksgiving.
From the depths of my soul,
Josie
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