How Gratitude Can Change Your Life

Our Sunday talks are hitting all the right notes for me, especially lately, and this last Sunday’s message was a welcome reminder about the power of gratitude. Rev. Liz Mirante, in an animated talk about being Grateful in All Things, shared many examples of how gratitude is spiritual law in motion, specifically: attention and attraction.

Randomness notwithstanding, what we focus on, we draw to us, and that feeling of gratitude must come from within. It’s not happiness that cultivates gratitude; it’s gratitude that cultivates happiness.

With warmth and depth, Rev. Liz wove together insights from sages across time — Plato, Meister Eckhart, Emma Curtis Hopkins, and even Martha Beck — each pointing to the truth that a grateful heart is causative and creative.

When we live from gratitude, no matter our circumstances, we can find a steadiness that can support and bolster us. And, sometimes the most powerful prayer is simply thank you.

We're in This, Together

We closed Pledge Month with a moving ritual, placing our pledge cards in the bowl as a symbol of commitment and appreciation for all we create together. The bookmarks we received (thank you, Bonnie and Rev. Pam) are lovely reminders to carry that sense of gratitude forward.

When practitioner Justin Thuemler shared about our grocery gift-card fund drive to support those losing SNAP benefits, it hit a nerve for me. IMHO, no one should ever go hungry or wonder where their next meal is coming from, especially our most vulnerable. Some in our community are directly affected, and we are all impacted in ways both visible and not. And, the generosity already flowing in is a powerful expression of generosity and gratitude in action.

Later, over cake and coffee, that buzz I’ve noticed lately was there again, the hum of connection and the simple joy of being together. It’s nourishing, and that's above and beyond the buffet table.

Both/And

We can hold two truths at once: awareness of the need around us and the joy we find in moments. The holidays are approaching, and planning is underway for our third annual Jingle Jam! Thanks to Guy Nelson — Sunday’s featured artist and our all-around cheerleader — plans are coming together for a free celebration that’s fun for the whole family.

We’ll need volunteers, so if you’d like to be part of a joyous occasion, reach out to Juniper Rayne. Remember, being in service is one of the best ways to cultivate connection, joy, and purpose. We’ll also be decorating the building the Friday after Thanksgiving — another chance to share some fun. If you’d like to join that festive occasion, reach out to Brenda Campbell.

With gratitude, 

Laura