Happy Thanksgiving!

"For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee!"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Forgiveness

"Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive." (II Corinthians 2:10) The only thing that brings peace is forgiveness. I found that to be true this weekend.

I went to see my mom with my husband, granddaughter, and grand dog. My granddaughter's dog is a cute little pomeranian mix that has never been housebroken. We keep him outside and in the garage at night so that he doesn't make messes. He has a yip that was irritating my step father so he asked why we didn't leave the dog home. It hurt my feelings so I started to cry. That night when I went to bed, I decided that the only way to soothe my hurt feelings is through forgiveness.

I looked at the situation through my step father's eyes and saw it from his point of view. In the morning, my step father made me coffee and apologized. I was sorry too, and the whole thing was over.

Had either of us decided to hold on to resentment, it would have destroyed the peace and made everyone around us tense. Our perceptions either pull us down or lift us higher. The choice is ours. A Slovakian proverb says, "Anger is the only thing to put off till tomorrow." For today I choose to adopt an attitude of forgiveness instead of one of resentment. That is the only way to peace.

Light and love,
Patty

The Peace of God

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15) Tonight I realize how fortunate I am to be immersed in the love and peace of God. I am so relieved that He loves me unconditionally. I focus my thoughts on love and good.

Any decisions I have to make are not mine alone. I have God to help me have a good weekend and experience wonderful things. In the 23rd Psalm, David says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters; He restores my soul."

We can be grateful even in the midst of sad news. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." In God's light, we can heal our lives.

With the relationship we have with God, we can be grateful that we have God's spirit within us. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

Tonight I fall on my knees in amazement that in this now moment, I can let go of all anxiety and fear. As a lily in the field, I surrender to what is, and I am grateful.

Light and love,
Patty