Gratitude comes first.
All the beauty that surrounds us,
the people we love,
even the things we fuss over or take for granted
are gifts from God.
We didn’t create this world,
but now we’re blessed to participate in it.
So, it is our first response
to give thanks for all we have in our lives.
As the Christmas season approaches,
Let’s remember all we have been given,
and with open hearts,
thank God for everything in our lives.
For when we do,
our lives will be transformed.
Viewed through grateful eyes,
we will see goodness in the people and circumstances
of our lives, and
we’ll trust more completely the
Divine Providence that wills great joy for us
and for those we love.
Say “thank you” first, and often.
Then, be grateful again for how light your heart feels
after you’ve said these simple life-affirming words.
Gratitude comes first. — Maria Rodgers O’Rourke