Father Bob's Reflections

When I was in AA many a year ago, we were taught a very simple form of prayer ~ to say “please” in the morning and “thank you” at night.  What could be simpler and more heartfelt? Thanks is on my lips and in my heart whenever I can accomplish something that I need to do ~ usually after I’ve said “Please help me do this, Lord.”  And that little conversation ‘ll take place several times a day.

So, for me, every day is a thanksgiving day!  But I share here a little list of things I’m grateful for this year; it’s similar to last year’s list.  A couple of things dropped off and some were added.  I hope you’ll make your own gratitude list.  And when you sit down for dinner on Thursday, why not take a moment to ask folks to first have a moment of silence to think of something that they’re especially thankful for this year.  And then ask each of them if they’d like to share it.  (The moment to think is important! Don’t skip it or else everybody will repeat what the last one said.)

 

Dear Friends / Dear God,

These are the things I am thankful for during 2013 . . .

(not in any particular order)

+ For my health

+ That I am able to pay my mortgage and my bills and put food on my table                                                                             

+ My trusty burgundy Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider convertible that is great fun to drive

+ Realizing that I am a thinking / feeling / willing /  imperfect human being

+ My weaknesses that make me depend on God for my strength

+ My talent for writing and photography

+ My dog Shoney who is just a lovely and loving little creature and a real blessing

+ The sun, the clouds, the flowers, the trees, the ducks  and my lovely condo I enjoy every day

+ For the people I care for

+ For the people who care for me

+ My faithful Macbook Pro computer

+ The gift of contemplative prayer

+  For my Catholic faith and the gift of my priesthood

+  For our new Pope Francis who is bringing new hope and joy and great example to many

+  For the lives of friends that died this year who  have touched me deeply

+  For You! my faithful readers

+ And finally, my loving relationship with my heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit

” Rejoice always,

             Pray without ceasing.

 In all circumstances give thanks,

            for this is God’s will  for you in Christ Jesus.”

  I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

 

Now, before you go, here’s a beautiful slideshow with great music simply entitled “Thank You, God.” Click here. Be sure to enter full screen and turn up your speakers.  

And HAPPY HANUKKAH to our Jewish Sisters and Brothers that begins at sundown on Wednesday!

Thank YOU, my beloved readers.

May 2014 be a good year for you and your family.

Bob Traupman

contemplative writer