Chapter August 8

"Perhaps gratitude is a way of opening ourselves to the divine, to the mystery that surrounds us. It’s about acknowledging the interconnectedness of all things, the fact that we are part of something larger than ourselves." - 50 Short Essays on Being Christian

Perhaps gratitude is a way of opening ourselves to the divine, to the mystery that surrounds us. It’s about acknowledging the interconnectedness of all things, the fact that we are part of something larger than ourselves.

The desert night was vast, a canvas of stars strewn across an endless black. A chill wind whispered through the canyons, carrying the scent of sage and ancient earth. As I lay beneath that immensity, a wave of gratitude washed over me, so profound it felt like a physical embrace. It wasn't just for the beauty of the night, but for the simple fact of being alive, a tiny spark of consciousness amidst the swirling cosmos. In that moment, I felt a connection to something far beyond myself, a belonging that transcended the boundaries of my individual existence.

Gratitude, it seems, has a peculiar power. It can lift us out of the confines of our own preoccupations and reveal the intricate tapestry of existence. When we pause to appreciate the good in our lives, when we acknowledge the kindness of others or the simple gifts of nature, we begin to see the delicate threads that bind us together. We see the farmer at the market, his hands weathered by years of tending the soil, and we recognize the effort that brought the food to our table. We hear the laughter of children playing in the park, and we feel a pang of joy for the innocence and wonder they embody. We witness a stranger offering a helping hand, and we are reminded of the inherent goodness that resides in the human heart.

These moments of gratitude, seemingly small, are like cracks in the wall of our ego, letting in the light of a larger reality. They reveal the truth that we are not isolated individuals navigating a solitary existence, but rather participants in a grand, interconnected symphony of life. This realization, though often fleeting, can be profoundly transformative. It can awaken within us a sense of belonging, a deep knowing that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.

For centuries, spiritual traditions across the globe have recognized the power of gratitude as a pathway to the divine, a bridge between the human and the transcendent. In the ancient wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, we find the verse: "Being grateful will fill you with joy." The Buddha taught that gratitude is the path to liberation from suffering. And in the words of the Sufi mystic Rumi, "Gratitude is the wine for the soul. Go on. Get drunk."

Whether we approach gratitude as a spiritual practice or simply as a way to enhance our well-being, its effects are undeniable. When we cultivate gratitude, we open ourselves to the mystery that surrounds us, to the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity of life. We begin to see the world with new eyes, appreciating the gifts that were once taken for granted. The warmth of the sun on our skin, the taste of fresh bread, the sound of a loved one's voice—all become sources of wonder and delight.

This shift in perspective has a ripple effect, not only on our own lives but on the world around us. When we approach life with a grateful heart, we are more likely to act with kindness and compassion. We become more attuned to the needs of others, more willing to lend a helping hand, more forgiving of mistakes. Gratitude, it seems, has the power to create a more harmonious and interconnected world, one small act of appreciation at a time.

Even in the face of adversity, gratitude can be a lifeline. When Olivia, a young doctor working long hours in a busy hospital, felt overwhelmed by the suffering she witnessed daily, she began to keep a gratitude journal. Each night, she would write down three things she was grateful for, no matter how small. This simple practice helped her to find moments of peace amidst the chaos, to reconnect with the joy and purpose that had drawn her to medicine in the first place.

Like Olivia, we can all find ways to cultivate gratitude in our lives. It might be through a daily practice of mindfulness, taking a moment each morning to appreciate the simple fact of being alive. It might be through expressing our appreciation to the people we love, letting them know how much they mean to us. Or it might be through noticing the small joys that often go unnoticed—the beauty of a flower, the kindness of a stranger, the warmth of a shared meal.

As we cultivate gratitude, we begin to see that it is not just a feeling, but a way of being. It is a choice we make, a lens through which we view the world. And as we choose to focus on the good, the beautiful, and the true, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with the divine, with the mystery that surrounds us, and with the intricate web of life that sustains us all.

Under that vast desert sky, I felt a profound sense of belonging, a knowing that I was part of something ancient and enduring. It was a feeling that stayed with me long after the stars had faded and the sun had risen, a reminder that gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion, but a path to a more meaningful and connected existence. It is a way of opening ourselves to the divine, to the mystery that surrounds us, and to the realization that we are all, in some profound way, part of something larger than ourselves.

"always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:20