The Power of Gratitude: Closing the Circle of Love
When we receive a gift, whether big or small, it’s essential to acknowledge the giver and express our appreciation. This simple act of gratitude not only shows respect for the person who gave us the gift but also completes the exchange, allowing love to flow back to them.
Recognizing the Gift and the Giver
As Don Postema so eloquently puts it, “Gratitude recognizes that a gift has been given, a favor has been done by someone. There is a gift and a giver.” This profound statement highlights the importance of acknowledging both the gift itself and the person who gave it to us.
The Empty Feeling of Unreciprocated Gifts
I must admit that I’ve experienced the empty feeling that comes with giving a gift without receiving any acknowledgement or appreciation in return. It’s as if the circle of love remains open, leaving both the giver and receiver feeling unfulfilled. Similarly, I’ve also been guilty of not expressing gratitude to those who have given me gifts, leaving them feeling unappreciated.
Taking Blessings for Granted
How often do we take the blessings and gifts from the Lord for granted, feeling entitled to them without ever stopping to express our gratitude? It’s a sobering thought, and one that I’ve certainly been guilty of in the past.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the gifts we’ve received, both big and small, and express our gratitude to the Lord and to those who have given them to us. Here’s a prayer to get you started:
“Lord, thank You for the countless gifts You’ve given me. I thank You for each and every one of them. Enable me to remember to thank You and thank others when they show kindness. Help me to express my gratitude, closing the circle of love and allowing love to flow back to the giver. Amen.”
By cultivating a habit of gratitude, we can deepen our relationships, appreciate the blessings in our lives, and experience the joy of giving and receiving love.
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