Friday, December 13, 2024

Dear God,

I am so grateful we do not automatically move from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  I am grateful for Advent.  Advent gives us time and opportunity to reflect upon blessings, gifts and inner treasures.  Daily we can pause, look around and count those joys you have provided.

At this very moment I see gifts in front of my eyes. The tree outside my study window has red berries that the various birds enjoy.  Not only does it provide food for winged friends, it gives me joy to watch their joy in lighting on a branch, looking around and then feasting on the free gift.  I look next door and see rising evergreens that I absolutely love in the winter season especially.  I see the statue of my favorite saint, Francis of Assisi.  Oh, the gifts he has given me has been many across the decades.  Without moving from my seat, I see and celebrate three special treasures.   Tomorrow I could name many more.

Living in thanksgiving and gratitude especially during difficult seasons of loss and sorrow pays great dividends.  Focusing on gifts instead of pain lifts our spirit, lets us know we have more that we realize and gives greater perspectives on life.  It provides hope, peace and joy.

Thank you

for Advent,

Holy God.

Thank you

for time

to reflect,

to consider

and to

give thanks.

Thank you

for all

your many gifts.

Love, Andrea