Only One Day?

     The Divine Presence spoke through the man's dream. "I give you life and sustain you perpetually, yet you thank me only one day?"

     The man woke feeling a degree of shame. He immediately thanked the Divine Being for waking him into life one more day. The man felt happiness and appreciation of himself, his possessions, and the world  he had never known before. Indeed, it seemed that goodness and fortune clung to him like dust on his shoes. He was thankful that his mind had been opened to what his soul had always known.

                                                                        ****

     Meister Eckhart, a medieval Dominican brother, and philosopher, wrote, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you it will be enough." His statement may seem simple, but it is also powerful. Maintaining a spirit of gratitude expands our vision to and eliminates disappointment and sadness. 

     Especially during the holidays when people are desperate and impatient, relax in the knowledge that some delays are blessings in the long run. Holding back from the crowds rushing to shop yields time to consider the items with the best value for your money. Letting the over-crowded bus or train leave, may make the difference between feeling like a canned sardine and having a comfortable seat. The extra minutes spent waiting could well bring an old friend or a new lover who would have otherwise been missed. You could say it's the synchronicity of thankfulness. Just as advice cannot be given to someone who will not stop talking, delays provide the pauses which allow the Universe to work for our benefit. Gratitude for whatever comes to us takes us out of the chaos. Now that's something else deserving a thank you!