Featured image:  carved gourds from Peru, Lucuma Designs

Many of us are living in stressful times: financial worries, political madness, climate change destruction, health challenges….  even figuring out what is true online gets harder and harder.  Several of our members live in war zones or areas where there is great poverty.  It can make us feel powerless.  And, yet, no matter where we are, there are reasons to celebrate life and to be thankful. Even the midst of the bleakest of times, we have gifts that we can share and receive, even if it is simply a hug, a smile, or a shared prayer.  Community centers us.

We celebrate Thanksgiving soon here in the United States.  Our society is politically divided and I see many people on social media dreading whether to break bread with their families this time around.  I believe we should try to love and accept others as much as possible, but that if it feels dangerous, threatening or just too heavy, there are other options.  A couple of years ago I volunteered at a community kitchen for Thanksgiving and it was such a great experience!  Or, maybe a spontaneous potluck might be a feel good gathering….

I saw this commercial a few years back and saved it because I found it so touching.  The description:

“When we eat together, good things happen. We share a bit of our lives. We talk, we laugh, and we share the foods we love. We get a little closer. That’s why in 2017, for Canada’s 150th birthday, Loblaws and it’s President’s Choice brand are on a mission to get Canadians to eat together. To put down their phones, turn off the TV, and sit down to share a meal. Whether it’s poutine, pad thai, paella or perogies. Nothing brings us together like eating together.”

(Ironically, Loblaws is facing boycotts in Canada for price jacking food prices since Covid.  Still….  The message holds!)

Colors and Quotes

Enjoy some colors from our members mixed in with quotes on being thankful. Reach out and spend some time with someone, whether an old friend or a new neighbor from down the hall.   Click on the image to visit our member websites.

‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.

-Alice Walker

 

The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.

-Henri Nouwen

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

-Albert Schweitzer

 

Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.
― Thich Nhat Hanh

Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.
― Maya Angelou, Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer

Wherever you are and however you are feeling, reach for light and let your eyes seek beauty, however small it may be.

Enjoy some random beauties from our Brown Category: