Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thankful

God is everywhere. Like I mentioned in a previous post, He's in the stars and the sun and the clouds. He's even in the people we encounter every day. PEOPLE! I think that this amazing form of God's presence deserves its own post. More often than not, we take these amazing people, these reflections of God's love, for granted!

This year, I've realized how special the people in my life are. Material items are nice, but I honestly don't know where I would be without my family, friends, and mentors. They are the ones that lead me down the right path, inspire me, and affect the person I am today and forever. These role models, not my possessions, have helped me grow in faith and become a happier person. Though I don't always recognize it, God does His will through these amazing people.

Whether or not we take notice of it, God's light shines through the people in our lives. After all, He did make each one of us and lives within us constantly.


“Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which to look out
Christ's compassion to the world
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about
doing good;
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.”

― St. Teresa of Ávila

God has no hands and feet in this world but our own. We must live as walking proof of God's existence. Think of how nice the world would be if everyone treated each other like a reflection of Jesus. Think of how nice the world would be if we all realized that Jesus is inside of ourselves, as well. We would respect ourselves and our neighbors and aspire to emulate Jesus in all things.

If we remember that God wishes to use our hands and feet to spread His word, we will be able to open ourselves up to God. With this acceptance of God, we allow Him to work through us. Knowing that God has worked through you is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Who wouldn't want to convey a message from the one and only, almighty and ever-powerful GOD?!

Similarly, we must be eager to seek God's voice in others. God works through the people around us always. Jesus can be found in the both the most expected and unexpected places; he's working through our teachers, parents, coaches, friends, family members, priests, nuns, and even random strangers! He uses humans to reach us when we cannot hear Him directly.

Thank God for these role models. Where would I be without them? Sometimes, whether I mean to or not, I can't hear God speaking to me. I don't hear His voice...until He speaks through someone else. That gets my attention and allows me to recognize His unending and watchful presence in my life.


Don't take them for granted. The people we surround ourselves with will change us for better or worse. If we want to become better people, we need to surround ourselves with those aiming for the same goal. And once we have formed this relationship, we must remember to CHERISH ONE ANOTHER.

God blesses us with great companions to aid us in our life's journey. He sends them to us for our own good. It's only right that we appreciate them!!

How many people do you love? How many people do you constantly say "I love you" to? I know my numbers are low on that second part. Just think about what would happen if the people in your life left you suddenly. Sometimes we don't realize how much we loved them until it's too late. I'm not saying we should go around saying "I love you" to every person that walks by...unless that's your kind of thing; then go for it! Whether you say it via words or actions, let them know. Let them know that you are thankful.

If you find yourself running dry on the thankful attitude, just attempt to imagine life without some of the people in your life. Think of the person you were before you knew them and compare it to the person you are now. God put every person we know in our lives for a reason. We must look for this reason always and express our gratitude for these people, these wonderful gifts from God.


Look for Jesus. Seek Him in others. Seek Him in yourself. He is there, I promise. Open your heart and He will reveal Himself to you.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).

To all my loved ones: Thank you for being a part of my life.

There are too many amazing people in my life than could fit in this photo.

Dear God, please allow me to do your work every day in every way. Thank you for the life and the people you have blessed me with, and help them continue to guide me as I venture forward on my journey to You. Amen

Have a great Thanksgiving and THANK YOU FOR READING!

2 comments:

  1. Stumbled across your blog from Fr. Alfonse's site. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Will be back :)

    ReplyDelete