By Dorene Kilburn of Stratford, Ontario, Canada

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

There are advantages to living in the senior years of one’s life. The daily pace slows, usually out of necessity. There are more years on which to reflect, and there is time to reflect—for most of the elderly.

As I look back on the many decades of my life, I see countless incidents of God’s guidance, rescue, and comfort. Sadly, many of those occasions passed without my appreciation of God’s presence. Probably the busyness of my daily responsibilities often didn’t allow time for gratitude. But that’s only an excuse, not a valid reason.

Sometimes it takes some suffering for us to realize that God cares deeply about our welfare. During my husband’s Alzheimer’s journey, God intervened constantly to relieve stress and frustration. God is still with me through the support of friends and places before me solutions to problems that inevitably occur in house maintenance—challenges I now face alone.

We are all recipients of God’s grace. Grace and gratitude go together. Too often, I have neglected the latter. Now I am becoming more aware of God’s involvement in my life in big and small ways, and I am telling God how grateful I am.

Lately I can feel God prodding me, telling me that gratitude in words is not enough. I need to express my gratitude in actions. Maybe that means stepping out beyond my comfort zone, which creates some anxiety in me. But God’s Divine estate will only come if I do my part to bring peace and justice to our troubled world. One person can make a difference, but think what we can achieve if we work together! Partnering with Christ and the community lightens the burden.

Reflection Question

In response to God’s grace and blessings in our life, how will you regularly offer every dimension of your life to God?

Prayer Phrase

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Blessing Walk

As you walk slowly and mindfully around your neighborhood, yard, or house, look around with attentiveness. For every person you see, silently offer a blessing: “May you be surrounded by love.” For places you pass—homes, businesses, churches, shelters—offer a quiet prayer of gratitude or intercession. If walking indoors or unable to move freely, do a “blessing walk” in your mind—imagining those you love or your community and lifting each one in prayer.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.