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thanks to give
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This Thanksgiving, like every other, I see several people pay homage to all of the wonderful people and things they have to be grateful for. That is, simply beautiful. Simultaneously, one of the most common practices of the day is to think of oneself. This idea has been building for some time, though. Selfie sticks were one of the best selling items in Christmas 2014. Pervasive half truth ideas like YOLO, “live your best life” “Ima be me” and “I hate people” are overtaking our culture.
Don’t get me wrong, taking care of oneself is important. It’s very important. When we don’t take care of ourselves, we forsake our ability to add value to ourselves or others. Although, I must say that there is a difference between self-care and self-indulgence. We began to cross the line about a decade ago, and continue to overstep the line in a way that will overtake us all, if we aren’t careful.
In Mark 12:31, believers in Christ are instructed to “…Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Somewhere along the way, passages like this one have been laid aside for the sake of “living my best life” which can often leave purpose and meaning collecting dust.
Maybe the idea of loving others as we love ourselves doesn’t seem appealing, but what else is there? I seek to disrupt the status quo ideals that will, in any way, hinder the well-being of humanity. Gratitude can only result from the goodness we experience through God and those He’s placed around us. “Living my best life” for me , then, is living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving. “You only live once” IS ensuring that I am postured to serve and surround myself with the full beauty of goodness and tensions that can arise from living with people. I refuse to “hate people”. I am commissioned to love. So in gratitude,
Humanity,
Thank you, for sharing your kindness and love. Thank you for providing the food and clothing I needed. Thank you for allowing me to reciprocate. Your example has given me the ability to demonstrate great love in so many ways. Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold and a warm “Olaf” hug. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to give to you out of my lack and my abundance. Thank you for giving to me out of your lack and your abundance. Thank you for implementing innovative ideas that have added value to lives around the world. Thank you for sacrificing your time, sleep and efforts towards the growth and betterment of those around you. Thank you for introducing me to Christ, through your love. Thank you for giving. Because of you I have thanks to give.
Sincerely,
Human gratitude
Here are some questions we could meditate on:
- In what ways does gratitude help you and others around you grow?
- What are some tangible ways you can implement the balance of self-care and giving?