Giving thanks

Thank you …

At the end of the year our community usually has a special prayer celebration to thank God for the year that has passed and to entrust to His hands the coming one.
I know that there are so many reasons to give thanks. The problem is, at times, it’s not easy to make a rundown of all of them at the end of the year. I prefer to give thanks everyday, when a favor is done, when I am shown a simple gesture of kindness, when I manage to get up and to get back my sense of humor.
I want my prayer of thanksgiving today to be something felt, not a litany of generalities that in the end do not really touch my heart, or maybe I am becoming too closed in on myself. It could be that too, but right now, deep in my heart, I just want to be sincere.
So as I thank God for the year that is ending, I also thank a friend who has been there when I needed a shoulder to cry on, a sibling whose thoughtful gestures came when I needed them most, a former student whose unexpected visit made me realize that my efforts a long, long time ago have not been unappreciated, my group whose good examples never fail to edify me and make me look at life from a different perspective, my father whose humility has taught me that there is always room for growth.
And as I continue, the list gets longer and longer ….
So why then should I wait for the end of the year to give thanks?

“In all circumstances give thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

everyday compassion

why the title "everyday compassion"?

it is my personal name for God. for me, God is not someone faraway. he is with me, every moment of my life. he suffers with me, he also celebrates with me. that is what Christmas reminds us of, God is with us. he is the "emmanuel".

"and the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14)