Have you ever had the experience of being too close to something? Something at work, perhaps, or with a friend or family member? We sometimes lose perspective, focusing so intently on a situation that we no longer see it clearly. We have to step back in order to gain the clarity we need.
The same holds true in our spiritual life.
Sometimes we have to step back in order to see life and faith clearly. We conclude the liturgical year this month. At this point each liturgical year, the Sunday readings encourage us to step back and take the long view:
Recognize that every day is a gift from God; we do not know when our final day of life on earth will be. As sobering as it is to think about this, it is also good for us to do so. It is a reminder that every day is precious and that our daily actions matter.
Put Christ at the center of our lives. When we do this, everything else falls into place.
Draw on faith even in, especially in, the most challenging times.
This is the perfect time to look back and look ahead.
Does God have a meaningful place in your life? Does your faith guide your daily decisions?
Are you sometimes distracted, too busy, or too focused in one area of life to the exclusion of everything (or everyone) else?
Are you mindful to see God’s grace and goodness in the daily moments of your life?
Are you stressed and tired? Do you spend time with the people you love, and give of yourself in service?
Do you use your material and financial resources wisely and share with those in need?
Soon, we will mark the end of 2023 and the beginning of a new calendar year. This is the perfect time to look back, reflect on our lives in light of faith, and to look ahead to the coming year with renewed commitment to live as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Giving Thanks
Our national celebration of Thanksgiving provides a reason to reflect on all for which we have to be grateful.
Gratitude is not only for Thanksgiving day. In reality, beginning each day by stepping back to reflect on our many blessings will have lasting impact on each of us and all whom we touch at home, work or school, and in service.
When we begin with gratitude, we recognize God’s grace in our midst.
Many people have been taught to think about life through a perspective of scarcity: What is missing? What needs fixing? Starting with thanksgiving provides a perspective of abundance. We see that each day and all that surrounds us is a gift from God, and we grow in our desire to share with others out of gratitude for our many blessings.
Choosing abundance over scarcity takes practice. Consider the following to practice gratitude:
Begin each day with a brief moment of gratitude. Express thanksgiving at meals. End the day by noticing the many times you were blessed. At first, this may seem awkward or forced. Stay with it! You’ll soon recognize God’s abundant grace beyond what you are able to comprehend.
Ask God to guide your heart and life, so that your daily comings and goings may be reflections of gratitude for all you are and have. Such a grateful life does take practice. It is sure to have lasting impact, bringing faith to life in wonderful ways!