By David Nii, Council of Twelve Apostles

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

This is the final week of the Generosity Cycle where we are called into continual REFLECTION and gratitude for God’s abundant blessings in our life. Every day we are blessed by God’s love and generosity. As David Nii reflects in the story below, generosity flows out of our recognition and gratitude for God’s blessings in every moment.

I tend to be a list maker. Checking off items on a list of actions to complete can be cathartic for me. Washing the dishes or mowing the lawn brings an odd sense of satisfaction as I celebrate having a definite end point and a clear evaluation on the effectiveness of my efforts. I suspect this personality quirk partly is a result of having so much of my day-to-day life enmeshed in shades of uncertainty. Ongoing projects often don’t fully address the most critical concerns, and resolving one issue usually leads to more hurdles and new issues. My experience confirms life is messy and nuanced.

I believe that the good news of the gospel, however, invites me to experience joy and wholeness in the middle of the messiness and nuances of life. The small bursts of satisfaction from checking off action steps are only temporary feelings and often lead to unhelpful searches for more opportunities simply to be busy checking off items on a list. What I discover anew whenever I stop to fully pay attention to life is joy can bloom in the journey itself. Celebrating dish soap and dishes either by myself or with a child or grandchild brings a type of well-being that is peace-inducing. Being in awe of growing grass and the ingenuity inherent in the mechanics of a lawn mower makes the lawnmowing chore a practice of gratitude. In the process of seemingly unending work and challenges, acknowledging and appreciating gifts, talents, opportunities, and collegiality of all those involved energizes a sense of compassion and hope. Pausing to acknowledge the humor found in the surprises of everyday life helps create a connection with inner well-being.

My journey of faith continues to call me to better understand the Spirit’s invitation not to be over-filled with busyness and accomplishment for the sake of checking off lists. God invites me, invites all, to pay attention to the next step and find joy, hope, love, and peace in the very spot where my foot lands. I am growing in understanding this invitation as the call to be fully alive.

Prayer Phrase

“For everything created by God is good” (1 Timothy 4:4).

Spiritual Practice

Joy of Gratitude

Stand, if possible, with arms outstretched. Imagine God filling your arms with all that you have: family, friends, and possessions. Hold out your arms until they feel tired. Now, bring your arms across your body. Place your hand over your heart and thank God for the abundance that fills your life. Sit for a time aware of that abundance. Then ask God to help you open your heart in gratitude and share freely with others.

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.