WHETHER WE KNOW IT OR NOT

We have come to live what has been taught us; namely, that loving service to others is to live happy, joyous and free. 

Loving is the quiet word...too often, service to others is done with an eye toward what we're going to get in return for that service. Since loving can only go forward, outward, we rest in the love of God...whether we know it or not. 

Our gratitude pays that forward through his constantly replenishing love...ego is shuttered, and there's no "what's in it for me?"    

The lesson our egoic mind will resist until death do us part: Gratitude remains a self-determined objective until, without forethought, we feel as grateful for the less-than appearing as we feel for the apparent more-than. It is the grace of gratitude that opens the door and guides us into "the Land of Plenty," where others may slander us, the dollar may fail, our health may be dicey, and without thought we pray thank you...and mean it.

Those words may seem like an impossible dream, but the pure fact is: We are already there whether we know it or not. Those six words, whether we know it or not, are our new blankie. Hold them close...they are our Velveteen Rabbit as we awaken fully and still more fully.

We are to be grateful not just in the good times, but also in the bad times; to be grateful not just in plenty, but also in need; to maintain thankfulness not just in laughter, but also through tears and sorrow. -- From a quote of Brian McLaren

Thank you.