In the next weeks, Americans will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, and the worldwide Church will start Advent. Wherever you are, take time to slow down in gratitude and make plans for your Advent observance.
Gratitude
Gratitude is an essential aspect of Ignatian spirituality and an important trait to practice even in difficult times. Enjoy these reflections on gratitude.
A Story of the Simple and Great Hearing Aid Gretchen Crowder shares a story about her son, inspired by the Christopher de Vinck quote, “Cherish what is simple. Be in awe of what is great.”
Earning a living and raising a family often leave little time to enjoy or develop some of the gifts that aren’t directly related to our day-to-day obligations. There isn’t time to play a musical instrument when one is working long hours, and it’s not easy to paint or sculpt or write poetry with growing children in the house. But the gifts that haven’t been used in a long time are still there. Many
people who are retired or free of family obligations have the opportunity to nourish their creativity—or perhaps to discover creative gifts they never knew they had. Like Miriam, we might discover times and places to use our creative gifts that we never dreamed of—provided we are open to God’s call.