In Others’ Words: Discipline and Celebration

Two words stand out to me in Henri Nouwen’s quote: discipline and gratitude.

Nouwen reminds us that gratitude is a discipline — that it takes effort to be thankful. And knowing how easily I can fall into counting my “lack of” rather than counting all the ways my life is filled to overflowing with so much more goodness than I ever expected … well, I have to agree with Nouwen. I must put forth effort — strive — to be grateful.

And then there’s that word celebration.

Do I take the time to celebrate? Birthdays, yes. Holidays, yes. Accomplishments, yes. But what about the intangible-eternal things worth celebrating? I am the recipient of a miraculous gift of love — one woven through and through with the words redeemed and reconciled. A gift that proclaims I am worth life … and … death … and life again.

This truth is worth celebrating every day of my life — it is a reason to have joy no matter what else is happening in my life.

In Your Words: What reasons do you have to celebrate with joy … to be grateful no matter what the circumstances of your life?

The Discipline and Celebration of #Gratitude #lifequotes
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See you next Monday — Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!