By Sister Kathleen Cornell, SSND
Take a deep breath.
Admire the beauty of the fall colors, feel the cool breeze on your face, and recognize the change in your body due to the change in time.
Experience wonder.
As author Frank Cunningham writes, “Wonder begets gratitude begets wonder begets gratitude begets a virtuous circle.”
In early November we had days of remembrance centered on those who graced our lives, and now we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.
What do these days mean to you?
Consider these questions from Joyce Rupp: Who are the people who left me feeling enthused about life? What events sailed hope into my heart? What beautiful places that I’ve visited have captivated my wonder?
Give yourself the gift of reflecting, wondering, journaling, praying.
May it lead you closer to our God, yourself and all of Creation.
Wonder begets gratitude!
In these times of so much division, conflict and poverty, we are called to wonder and give thanks for what we have, and to seek ways of love to heal our world.
We all know of people who have little but are so thankful and joyful. May we each gently hold the tension between giving thanks and the state of our world.
The following is a way of prayer in which you take a word, such as grateful, and then do free association.
I offer my own wondering on being grateful:
Goodness of God and so many in my life
Rituals of celebration we have
Abundance of gifts, sharing, listening hearts
Times of challenge and growth
Education I have received and offered to others
Fruitfulness of maturing and aging
Unity that I/we struggle to live daily
Love of God, my parents, family and friends
A blessed Thanksgiving!
