Holiness in our Midst: Session 136

SESSION CXXXVI: ON GRATITUDE

Story Circle Prompt: What are you grateful for as the New Year begins?

Having worked as a culinary server in as assisted living community for almost five years, I am grateful beyond words for all who work in facilities that must be staffed 24/7/365. This includes those who give nursing care, plan activities, manage budgets and schedules, prepare and serve meals, fix furnaces, and mend hearts (all of us!).
Satisfying residents in their declining years has its challenges and rewards. I recently wrote five haiku poems that give holy glimpses into daily life where I (gratefully) work:

BIRTHDAY IN ASSISTED LIVING
One red candle flares
Like July Fourth fireworks on
Confetti cupcake.

PET DAY IN ASSISTED LIVING
Therapy dog knows
Better than master, which man
Needs to laugh again.

SHOW AND TELL DAY IN ASSISTED LIVING
Look! Collections!
But techno whiz passes ‘round
Selfie with grandchild.

BINGO DAY IN ASSISTED LIVING
All Earth holds its breath
Today! Candy on prize cart!
Will she call B10?

DEATH DAY IN ASSISTED LIVING
Server at shift’s end:
Logo shirt is baptized with
Prune juice, sweat, and tears!

FOR PERSONAL/JOURNAL REFLECTION:

1. Read the above reflection. In your journal, answer the questions: What are you grateful for today? This year? 
2. As the New Year begins, consider purchasing a Gratitude Journal. Choices of formats abound. Jim Hayes, the executive director of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center in Urbandale, IA, through which I study spiritual direction, suggested these example prompts in an online article on gratitude in the center’s December 2023 Newsletter:

• I’m grateful for three things I hear:
• I’m grateful for three things I see:
• I’m grateful for three things I smell:
• I’m grateful for three things I touch/feel:
• I’m grateful for these three things I taste:
• I’m grateful for these three blue (and colors) things:
• I’m grateful for these three animals/birds:
• I’m grateful for these three friends:
• I’m grateful for these three teachers:
• I’m grateful for these three family members:
• I’m grateful for these three things in my home:

FOR GROUP STUDY:

1. Read aloud Session CXXXVI.

Holiness in Our Midst: Sharing Our Stories to Encourage and Heal is a monthly on-line feature created by Janis Pyle to facilitate sharing of our personal experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and spiritual practices with one another, especially through stories. Barriers are broken down when we begin to see all persons, even those with whom we disagree ideologically, as sacred and constantly attended to by a loving Creator. Each column is accompanied by a “story circle” prompt and study guides for personal and group reflection. To share your stories, contact Hannah Button-Harrison at communications@nplains.org. Janis Pyle can be reached at janispyle@yahoo.com