Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. ~ Oprah Winfrey
Syrian Refugees
Even if we don’t pay attention to the mainstream news, it’s hard to avoid knowing about the heart-wrenching humanitarian crisis with the Syrian refugees. Some of us may not even know where Syria is.
Many of us live in countries who are mostly at peace, a luxury Syrians lack. Yet we often focus too much on what we do not have, instead of the blessings we do have. For one, peaceful lives.
How about if, at least during this holiday season, we focus on the many blessings we have, but take for granted?
Here’s a delightful little prayer written by Abigail Van Buren, the pen name of Pauline Phillips, the popular Dear Abby advice columnist. Her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, carries on her late mother’s work now. Jeanne shared the prayer in her column this past Wednesday, the day before the American celebration of Thanksgiving.
Oh, Heavenly Father,
We thank Thee for food and remember the hungry.
We thank Thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank Thee for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank Thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service,
That Thy gifts to us may be used for others.
Amen.
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What are some of the blessings in your life you take for granted? Please share your thoughts with us below.
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Copyright © 2015 by John Cali
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Here’s a powerfully touching interview with Syrian refugees. Despite having lost virtually everything, they remain thankful for what they do have. And they feel positive about their future. Great role models for all of us!
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Related posts:
18 Ways Gratitude Can Work Magic In Your Life
How Can We Be Grateful In a World Filled with Pain?
The Power of Gratitude
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What other subjects would you like us to talk about in these posts? Please email me.
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About John Cali
Writer and publisher John Cali, author of 10 books, talks to ghosts and dead people. He writes about these adventures at his blog and website, and in his upcoming book, Conversations with Spirit: Real Answers To Life’s Pesky Questions, Book 1.
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George Ball
Thank you, John, for this good lesson in gratitude.
John Cali
You’re most welcome, George. It certainly was a great lesson in gratitude for me.