Gratitude

Too often we do not express gratitude to Spirit for the people, life experiences, and gifts that we have received which helped us to grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. When we do, we do not include events which, on the surface, are negative in nature. Many times, these negative events lead to positive outcomes and growth experiences.

For example, from early childhood I wanted to play baseball in the major leagues. I worked hard over the years to perfect my abilities and was on track to play professional baseball. However, at the end of my freshman year of college I was in an automobile accident resulting in injuries that effectively ended that dream. I was angry at God and the world. I drank heavily and began using a variety of drugs. I was thrown out of college twice for scholastic reasons. When I finally returned to complete my degree, I continued to abuse substances and ended up homeless, unable to pay for tuition the last semester of my senior year. I was a spiritual, emotional, and physical wreck. My self-esteem was at a very low level and I was subconsciously seeking a way to check out of this life without overtly committing suicide.

However, my master teacher, Ee-Shua (Jesus) had a different plan for me. My student advisor met me when I was a freshman and saw something of value in me. Each time I was thrown out of school he developed and orchestrated a plan to get me back in. He knew my behavioral tendencies and had me finish my classwork at night school. He figured if I went to night school there would be less time for me to get drunk and since I always slept late, I wouldn’t miss any classes during the day. It worked. I earned just enough credits to graduate but still could not afford the tuition. Spirit intervened again.

I went to college during the heat of student opposition to the war in Vietnam. A small group of students were particularly incensed and set fire to a building which happened to contain student financial information. In short, my records on campus were destroyed and I was given my bachelor’s degree. It wasn’t until three years later when I needed transcripts to apply for my master’s degree that I paid my delinquent tuition.

My life had taken a dramatic turn. Instead of playing professional baseball I was led into a career of human service, leading ultimately to my ordination as Christian Spiritual minister. My life in those interceding years had many ups and downs, doors opened and closed. Through it all I have been, and continue to be, forever grateful for the people, experiences, spiritual gifts, and guidance.

Exercise. There is a Qigong exercise that I use regularly which might be useful to you. Place your hands in the prayer position and place them in front of your heart.  Then slowly bend down from the waist and say, “I am grateful for (insert) you brought into my life.” Do this for each person or experience.  

Feel free to share this message with your network. Peace and blessings to you and yours.

Rev. Carl