OPreach
Dominican Preaching through Word and Image
Expressing Gratitude
As in previous years, the posts during the month of November we will concentrate on Gratitude, though truly it is not a seasonal topic.
As I express my gratitude, I become more deeply aware of it. And the greater my awareness, the greater my need to express it. What happens here is a spiraling ascent, a process of growth in ever expanding circles around a steady center.
– David Steindl-Rast
OPreach 
It is in not having expectations that the surprises come,
and they are cause for gratitude. How often we awaken
to a new day – maybe feeling grumpy at the expectation
of a day which will include some drudgery – without
stopping to say, “I can see the beauty that surrounds
me, and hear the sound of the waves and wind and feel
the softness of fur that covers my pet and taste my
meal. Instead of a complaint, let my day include a
smile for a chance meeting with a stranger and let
the happiness that comes from gratefulness create
a bond between me and all who come my way.
Amen, Jean!