I always like to know what things mean so as to make sure that what I am saying, what I mean, and my intentions all match. Well my eyes were opened a bit wider after I looked at some definitions and synonyms..
Gratitude
Define gratitude Webster says – The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Gratefulness
What is Gratefulness? According to a benedictine Monk in the swiss alps – Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more.
What is Grateful Living? One Visionary says – Grateful living is important in the world because in our constant pursuit of more and better we can easily lose sight of the riches that lay right in front of us and within us. ~ Guri Mehta
Blessings
Well I wanted to be clear on blessings, especially since I seem to throw that word around a lot. Wishing blessings on everyone and everything I encounter. So thinking that I knew that definitions I looked to see the synonyms were for blessing. They are benediction, benison, commendation, sanctification, invocation, grace, laying on of hands, absolution, baptism, unction, consecration, Eucharist, divine approval, divine sanction, divine approbation. Well that was not exactly what I had in mind. So…
Ernest Holmes in The Science of Mind defines blessings as Constructive thought directed toward anyone or any condition. You bless a man when you recognize the Divinity in him. You bless a man’s business when you think correctly about that business. I like that definition and I think I will stick with Mr. Holmes.
When we constructively praise and creatively Bless, life abounds with love, peace and joy. Let goodness shine forth. Let us turn to see that everyone is evolving. Let us so live and think that we may retire at night in peace, knowing that no harm can come to the soul. So that we may arise in the morning renewed in body and in mind, with a brighter outlook, a happier expectation and a blessing and clear joy, looking upon all with love, condemning none and blessing even those who seek to injure us. Let us learn to be perfect, even as the Divine being, residing in the heart of everyone and overshadowing Eternity must also be perfect.
And So It Is
Presented on August 11th, 2019 at
Central Coast Center for Spiritual Living
Templeton, California