Gratitude - Not One Day a Year
Thursday is our Day of Thanks but the next day was the epitome of consumerism – Black Friday. In addition, stores start vying for customers with Christmas sales and what I call the Season of Gimme, Gimme starts. How can we break this cycle? Tecumseh, the Shawnee Chief said, “When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living.” Giving thanks helps us to count our blessings and realize the richness of our lives. When I do spiritual counseling, I often recommend that people begin Gratitude Journals. Over the years, there have been a few folks who have commented on how keeping a Gratitude Journal has helped them realize how blessed they are, in spite of various hardships and traumas. Working with immigrants and refugees, being involved in several nonprofit organizations, I am acutely aware of just how privileged we are. Even with all the up and downs of the economy, we still have so much to