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发帖数: 38600 | 1 Many years ago, a Kentucky gentleman who prefers to remain anonymous awoke
early on Thanksgiving morning and penned the following words. You may find,
as many have, that his expression of gratitude speaks to your heart:
"I am thankful for the gift of life, for the opportunity to breathe and move
and see, for the invisible energy that lovingly beats my heart.
"I am thankful for the opportunity to give to and receive from those around
me. I am grateful for the privacy of my thoughts, for the freedom to think
whatever I wish. I deeply appreciate the little pleasures and joys of life--
the sound of children at play, the movement of clouds, the touch of loved
ones, the early morning fragrance of dew-kissed roses.
"I am thankful for all the unavoidable hurts, setbacks, disappointments, and
times of deep pain--for these teach me patience, humility, and endurance. I
do not seek suffering, but when it comes I accept it as a friend who guides
, imparts wisdom, and teaches of rising above pain.
"I appreciate all the people in my life--those dear ones who comfort me and
cheer me on, and those who so creatively challenge my patience, kindness and
self-control. Without such people, how would I ever learn to grow in
understanding, strength and compassion?
"I am grateful for all those who have gone before me, giving of their lives,
creativity and love. I am thankful for the food that sustains my body, for
gentle smiles and the music of laughter, for the colorful faces of wayside
flowers. I give thanks for the springtime breezes, for the warm caress of
the sun, the winter's blanket of white, the soft glow of moonlit nights, and
the pitter-patter of raindrops upon the parched earth.
"I accept loss and death, and give thanks for the deepening of my spirit
they bring. I am thankful for my growing sense of inner calmness, trust and
faith that gives me assurance in the face of the unknown. I deeply
appreciate the wondrous gift of friendship, the Friend behind all friends,
and the delight of quietly, invisibly putting others first.
"So very deeply, I appreciate the warmth of love in my heart that silences
my fears, guides me, and fills me with optimism about the future. With
grateful anticipation, I embrace the unfolding adventure and mystery of life
. I am grateful for the yet-to-be-discovered opportunities and delights that
are sure to come my way.
"I am thankful for the glory of this present moment, and for the unfolding
of each new moment. And I am thankful for my thankfulness--for the gift of
gratitude--and the clarity, strength and joy it bestows."
Prepared by Sam Quick, Ph.D., Human Development & Family Relations
Specialist |
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