Dear AGAC whanau,
Hope you have survived the unseasonal polar weather in the last several days.
Did you know that 21st of September is World Gratitude Day? It was established by the United Nations in 1977 to remind us to be mindful, and to show compassion to ourselves and others. It is a day the whole world can pause to appreciate all
they are thankful for. We know there is always something to be thankful, but I wonder how can we cultivate gratitude in our lives?
As reflecting on the theme, the words of Carl Frederick Buechner (one of my favourite theologians) came to my mind. He writes;
“Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden
heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.
(Frederick Buechner: Listen to Your Life: Daily Meditations (1992))
In other words, we should pay attention to our lives daily. If I remember, I try to ask myself before going to sleep; ‘Has any event today surprised or delighted me?’ Then, I try to focus my attention on what I enjoyed, relish it, and suck all the enjoyment out of it that I can. It is easy to say, but is also easy to forget. As we celebrate the World Gratitude Day, I am inviting you to join me to cultivate to “listen to your life.” When we do, I guarantee, we will begin to understand the wonder that is already in our lives.
Happy World Gratitude Day!
Thanking God for grace upon grace,
Yukiko
