How empty are our conceptions of Deity! We admit theoretically that God is good, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite, and then we try to give information to this infinite Mind. We plead for unmerited pardon and for a liberal outpouring of benefactions. Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech.If we are ungrateful for Life, Truth, and Love, and yet return thanks to God for all blessings, we are insincere and incur the sharp censure our Master pronounces on hypocrites.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 3:17–30)
This paragraph above made me sit up and listen recently. I usually never get past the ‘Are we really grateful…’ part because I thought I was, and am. But on closer inspection I noticed I was actually very grateful for the ‘things’ I have, or have been given. It alerted me that I wasn’t going high enough and being grateful for the very source – Life, Truth and Love. In life we do have things we need so I prayed to understand that if God is All then Life, Truth and Love can supply exactly that, All, and with those qualities available to me (and us all) I can never feel lack, or fear, that I shall be without, whatever normal needs occur. It changed my view and approach from fear (which I now see is ingratitude to God for all She already is) to peace.
A special thanks to the Practitioner who brought me to understanding this subtle but important shift in thought. Over the few weeks that followed I noticed my physical, spiritual and mental needs were being met in very loving and gentle ways, without worry or pleading. I am always in awe of the truths that bubble under and break through the mesmerism of life in such beautiful ways and bless us forever.
Bless you, too.
There you go again – telling us the Truth! And in such a loving way! Cate
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