Around this time, every year, “the attitude of gratitude” can feel over-prescribed. But especially in this year, which has given rise to so many unanticipated losses and heartaches- including pervasive separation from families & friends over pandemic precautions, serious illness or death… or else over ideological divisions- when our ultimate concerns are revealed to fundamentally clash with those of our loved ones… It feels glib to speak too easily of the need to be grateful.
I’d like to state clearly: Whatever feelings you carry right now, they are acceptable and valid. Your anger, hurt, sadness, fear -and even joy that seems to pay no attention to current events- they are all equally welcome.
Personally, however, I have recently felt called to thankfulness. (I confess it’s not my natural inclination.) Thankfulness -not in denial of reality, but as an act of dissidence and defiance against it- as an act of discipleship. (If you’re not there right now, it’s okay. Perhaps more than to gratitude, you’re called to a radical graciousness to yourself and those around you.)
One of my friends, Steven, as if privy to my inward and upward prayers, has been relentless as the Holy Spirit in his invitation to join him and a circle of artists to practice a kind of discipline of gratitude. An honest gratitude that is shared in both joy and sorrow.
This month, I’d like to share with you some of the gifts that have been given to Shepherd Heart, by an author on enemy-love, and by an artist on God’s grace & the process of healing. May they bless you, as they have blessed me.
Be good and kind to yourself, and to the world around you.