Waiting for gratitude

"Wait for it..."

"Tonight is going to be...wait for it...legendary Dary." This clip from the TV show "How I met your Mother", made "wait for it" an instant catch phrase. Although it's been several years since this aired, (2006 I believe) - "Wait for it" has made it's way into our vocabularies.

Waiting for legendary moments isn't easy. So often there is a temptation to become "obsessed with more and more, continually seeking: seeking more knowledge, seeking a larger stockpile of material things, seeking a greater accumulation of exotic and stimulating experiences" (page 69 from The Seven Spiritual Gifts of waiting)

Seeking answers, direction, and purpose in and of themselves aren't particularly bad things to seek; but when excessive seeking blocks our ability to see the joys and blessings of what is immediately present - seeking becomes a problem.

In the book, The Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting, the practice of gratitude is explored and lifted us as a valuable asset in the many circumstances of waiting. Here are some practical means of practicing gratitude:
-List your sources of abundance...
-Think over the past year. Make a list of your answered prayers...
-Ask this question every night - "What do I want to give thanks for today?"
-Practice finding instead of seeking.

Meister Eckhart, a German Mystic, once said; " If the only prayer you say in your life is "Thank You", that would suffice."

Focusing on thanks and gratitude help people to find the bright spots in life. Think back to yesterday for a moment. Although there were challenges and trouble; I'll bet there was a moment or two that brought a smile to your face, warmed your heart, and helped make the day a little brighter. Give thanks for that moment. As you wait, as I wait those moments - and being grateful for them - will suffice.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for the righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:1-12

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Uphill idealist

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