A Simple Word Can Make a Grateful Heart
This week I’m in the throes of preparing for company and the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving. The kids and I (oh yeah, and my husband, too), are stoked for the upcoming visits. The house will be full of both people and love. Spending the holidays with family is the best.
This morning, my mind wandered back to our parish from four states ago, Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, CO. My heart fondly remembers that church vividly as the first parish my husband and I attended together as husband and wife, the place of my oldest daughter’s baptism, and the place of my husband’s full initiation into the beautiful, universal Catholic Church.
Our pastor at the time, Fr. Paul, preached with passion for Christ. Though the church building was large and drew many parishioners, Fr. Paul shared the intimate message of Jesus each week. When he spoke, I heard the Lord speaking directly to me.
I don’t remember the specifics of any of his homilies, but I remember one crucial thing about them. Every Sunday, Fr. Paul would step out from behind the ambo, look at the congregation, and joyfully ask, “How are you today?”
We in the pews would effusively reply, “Blessed!” If our answer didn’t have enough enthusiasm, Fr. Paul would repeat the question and give us an opportunity to call out with gusto how we actually are: blessed.
I’m asked that same question many times every day. There may be some variations, but the essence is the same. Every time I encounter a new person, whether a family member or the woman checking me out at the grocery store, I’m asked how I’m doing. This question may be the most frequently asked question in our society.
As often as I can remember, I answer, “Blessed!” Sure, I could say fine, or exhausted, or even great, but none of those reach to the core of my well-being. I am blessed, continually, by a God who loves me unconditionally and who keeps giving to me even though I don’t deserve it. Even when things are rough, and I don’t feel fine, I still know that I am blessed by a loving Father.
This week in America, we celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday built around remembering our blessings. Families gather to break bread and share in gratitude for another year of life. As Christians, our thanks are raised to heaven, since we know from whom all blessings flow. This week, of all weeks, it’s easy to answer “Blessed!” when asked how we’re doing.
Embracing an ‘attitude of gratitude’ should not be limited to Thanksgiving. When we remember our blessings, we’re happier, calmer, and better equipped to handle the difficult things that life sends our way. I recently heard that our brains cannot simultaneously be anxious and grateful, so the ultimate way to combat our daily stress is to pause and give thanks for all the good we have.
I can’t think of a simpler way to remember our blessings than by answering, “Blessed!” when we’re asked how we’re doing (gusto mandatory).
Copyright 2023 Maria Riley
Image: Canva
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