Gratitude

Dearest Ones,

With all the negativity in the news and with the flu virus threatening, it's hard to remain positive. One almost dreads to hear the news because it seems it is all bad. In visiting with friends, one learns what one reporter spins on a new story and then another and another. How can this be avoided? I believe it can be railroaded by one thing - and that is by showing a positive attitude rather than grumbling and complaining. When you're negative, you're expecting the worst and that is catching to those around you. That's when people start avoiding you. Others like people with positive attitudes. Your attitude is the way you communicate with others. A bad attitude is more catching than a flu! Surely, in God's beautiful world, there is a place for thanking God. Every morning, we have the choice to be either positive or negative. It's easier to be negative and complain. We choose the attitude with which we view the world. It isn't that some people have it better than others. We all have our trials and tribulations. I have observed that some of the people with the worst sufferings in life have chosen to have the most positive attitude to deal with them. I came across the life of Jim Porter who spent the last seven years of life in a wheel chair or a bed. Most of the time in pain. Yet, he loves life and has a positive attitude. How is he able to do this? He has this to say, "When I became disabled, a nurse said to me, 'It's your move, Jim. You can go all out and squeeze joy, happiness and fulfillment out of life, or you can self-destruct. You can destroy yourself. It's all in the way you view your situation.' I realized just how right she was and learned to focus on the positive. I hope it is obvious that I chose the right road." Others like people with positive attitudes. A positive attitude can convert the average person into a beautiful one. It can help you achieve goals that others consider beyond their reach. It helps you make a good impression on others. Even if you don't like your job, try doing every little thing just as perfect as you can at work. You will be surprised how it helps your attitude.It helps to be grateful - even for the least little things. I heard of a couple, who after five years of marriage, still haven't sent thank-you notes for their wedding gifts. It's sad, but gratitude is not stressed as important in our society. We all know the story of the ten lepers who were healed and only ONE said thank you. How this must have hurt Jesus. Everyone has trouble staying positive. These are a few tricks which may help you to remain positive: * When you meet friends, instead of asking them "how they are doing?" ask them to tell you the best thing that happened so far that day. * Refuse to worry about those negative elements in your life that you can do nothing about. * When anticipating what lies ahead in a day, think about the good things that can happen. * Hang out with positive people. No one really wants to be around negative people. * At meals, encourage others to share what they are most thankful for. * "Count your blessings" and share them with others. Thank God for things like getting up in the morning and being grateful: you can walk, you can talk, you can pray, you can eat, you aren't in the hospital, you have a job, you have a family, you live in a free country, etc.

A THANKSGIVING DAY PRAYER BEFORE MEALS

O LOVING GOD, WE GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY TO US.
THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD WE EAT AND FOR THOSE WHO PREPARED IT.
THANK YOU FOR OUR HOME, AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
THANK YOU FOR OUR HEALTH, OUR WORK AND OUR PLAY.
PLEASE SEND HELP TO THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY, ALONE, SICK AND
SUFFERING IN THE WARS. WE ASK YOUR BLESSING THROUGH
CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN

Even if the only prayer you ever said was "Thank You," it would be enough.This Thanksgiving, make someone's day by blessing them, tell them what you love about them, even if they don't deserve it. I thank God for each one of you!

Sister Francelle