It's that time again... that time when the world stops revolving around me, long enough for me to see how beautiful my life is and for me to give thanks.
No need for a national holiday of thanksgiving - no, today I am gratuitously expressing my gratefulness for every person in my life, every ray of sunshine, every sprouting seed and full-grown tree.
While learning a new language is a gradual, challenging process, it opens new opportunities to see the world through different eyes. I can delight in a simple turn of phrase, a word that captures the meaning of something I simply couldn't express as adequately in my native tongue. I can enjoy the feeling of pronouncing a word that has a different sound than what I am accustomed to making. I can appreciate a wholly different system of grammar, structure, and style of speaking that reflects the values and lifestyle of the people who speak that language.
Lent has been quite the learning experience, thus far. Sticking to Lenten resolutions requires a certain frame of mind that is focused on the other, and not the self. I am grateful for the redistribution of activities this endeavor has allowed, so that I may devote myself further to prayer and the service of others. When I think about it, it is really they who are enriching my life. Choir, teaching music, helping friends with little things, giving alms, going the extra mile - yep, giving is better than receiving. The more I give of myself, the more room I have in my life to share with others. How simple! How profound!
The new faces in my life belong to some pretty special people. "Special," because they are sharing their lives with me, as well as their knowledge, talents, and wonderful personalities. And my, are these people talented! More opportunities for learning...
Also, I've come across some really great inspirational reading material lately. From So Worth Loving, an independent clothing line aimed at empowering people and reminding them of their inherent dignity, to Made in His Image, which has a blog focused around the daily struggles of people with eating disorders (and so much more than that), to Letters to John Paul, a collection of messages from a mom to her newborn son that chronicle his early days, I have found so much to laugh, cry, smile and think about on the Internet alone. My heart has been touched - my life has been changed.
Mulieris Dignitatem, a beautiful apostolic letter from the late (Blessed) Pope John Paul II, has also affirmed my personal concept of self-worth and given me a deeper understanding of who I am called to be. Please give it a read and realize that you are loved beyond all shadow of doubt, beyond your insecurities and dissatisfaction with yourself. God knows who you are and He loves you infinitely and unconditionally. Rejoice; I say again, rejoice!
Life is too short for giving up and giving in; live well and prosper, my dear friends.