Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.
John Milton
Today, is my mother’s 75th birthday. As I wrote in my journal, stating her age, I also wrote “I am thankful for my mother.”
There have been times in my life when I was not grateful for my mother (I am sure many of you can relate to this) and being able to write this simple sentence was one of those “transcendent moments” Milton spoke about. It was…freeing and I felt light and…grateful.
How many moments are there in day that have the potential of being a “transcendent moment”? How many moments do I let slip away, those potential moments of transcendence that I never even notice? How many moments end up being a “downer moment” or a “that is a bummer” moment?
Last weekend, I attended a retreat with several women from my church. The theme was gratitude. Yes, there was time for prayer and reflection, but there was also a time for conversation with the other women. And as I spoke with many of the women and heard their stories, and I in turn, shared my story, my heart grew in gratitude. I, like many women, can get stuck seeing all the hard things in life since sometimes I feel like I am surrounded by it. Let’s face it, life is hard at times. Sharing our stories helped me to see the good great things in my life again. As I saw my life through others’ eyes, I was able to see the blessings of my life with a different perspective, with a deeper gratitude.
Recently, I was in church by myself. It was quiet and I was writing in my journal. I looked up and saw the sun shining through the colors of a stained glass window. The church I attend is quite modern and many times, I have complained (not too loudly) about it. But that day, I saw such beauty in that window that I drove home (one minute away) and brought back my camera. Through the lens of my camera, I saw beauty I never saw before in that church. The result of my time behind the camera is a grateful heart. I thanked God in my heart for the gift of faith and for the many blessings of my life. The next time I went to church, I knew my life had changed. There was my transcendent moment and the beginning of many more such moments to come.
September 20, 2013 at 7:42 am
Beautiful pictures and a lovely post.I feel inspired.
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September 20, 2013 at 7:44 am
Thank you so much.
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September 20, 2013 at 8:04 am
Happy bay to your mom on her 75th! You’re right, there’s been times when lots of us haven’t been grateful but they loved us all the same, great theme today 🙂
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September 20, 2013 at 9:17 am
Thanks Andy! Thanks for your comment!
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September 20, 2013 at 10:23 am
You’re very welcome 🙂
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September 20, 2013 at 9:14 pm
It really is a beautiful church with inspiring windows and pleasing simple design!
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September 23, 2013 at 9:10 pm
Thank you for your comment. Yes, I am finally starting to appreciate it after all these years. Thanks for following my blog!
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September 22, 2013 at 9:52 am
Your photos describe a peaceful and serene space. That window is gorgeous.
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September 23, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Thank you Lynne! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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September 22, 2013 at 4:46 pm
A retreat can offer refreshment for weary bodies and tired minds, and restoration of souls. So glad you found this.
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September 23, 2013 at 9:12 pm
So true Patti. Thanks!
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September 22, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Hi Momdeavor, I’d like to nominate you for the Lumen Christi Award for excellence in Catholic blogging. You can see the award homepage for the details: http://suburbanferndaleark.wordpress.com/lumen-christi-award/. Keep up the good work!
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September 23, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Thank you so much! Feeling very honored. Will check it out.
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September 23, 2013 at 9:04 am
Isn’t it wonderful as we get older we get a little wiser too…loved this post.
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September 23, 2013 at 9:12 pm
Thank God for that! 🙂 Thank you for your comment!
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