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1 - READ THE WORD
The journey of gratitude
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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2 - Reflect
It had been such a long trip that it seemed strange to me that I was so comfortable packing my suitcases every two or three days. Everything really came naturally, alongside my travelling group we got to know different cities, languages, people. We traveled almost all the way around the world, but it was not until we reached one of the islands that I was able to have a few minutes alone.
I meditated on each of the steps that had taken me to be where I was at that moment and place, all the suffering and achievements. It made me miss my family, miss the warmth of my home, the table I shared with my parents and my brothers, the care of my grandparents. Months ago I would not have thought to be able to travel and work at the same time, to earn my livelihood and to finally be complete. I could only be thankful and so I did, in that moment of prayer and deep conversation with God the Father I thanked Him for having set out my path, for having helped and guided me whenever I needed it (and yes it was often). Far from everything I knew as true, away from my family, from my possessions, I could value it another way. It gave me perspective, I learned to connect with my brothers in another way and I understood that I should always be grateful to our Lord, because ultimately He will provide.
I meditated on each of the steps that had taken me to be where I was at that moment and place, all the suffering and achievements. It made me miss my family, miss the warmth of my home, the table I shared with my parents and my brothers, the care of my grandparents. Months ago I would not have thought to be able to travel and work at the same time, to earn my livelihood and to finally be complete. I could only be thankful and so I did, in that moment of prayer and deep conversation with God the Father I thanked Him for having set out my path, for having helped and guided me whenever I needed it (and yes it was often). Far from everything I knew as true, away from my family, from my possessions, I could value it another way. It gave me perspective, I learned to connect with my brothers in another way and I understood that I should always be grateful to our Lord, because ultimately He will provide.
