logo

Header graphic for coastal parishes. Shows images of the three church buildings, the coastal parishes logo, and text 'Coastal Parishes North Devon' and 'The church of England in Woolacombe, Mortehoe and Lee', with a background image of Woolacombe Bay. Overlayed image of St Sabinus - Woolacombe Overlayed image of St. Mary's - Mortehoe Overlayed image of St. Matthew's - Lee

Gratitude

An image of a few favorite thingsRaindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens; Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens; Brown paper packages tied up with strings, - not to mention crisp apple strudels.Last month it seemed that the theme of harvests was appropriate as we began to go into autumn. Ours is not the only society to celebrate the ingathering of produce at the end of the growing season.  Bali in Indonesia holds a rice festival between May and June.  The Ewe people of Ghana celebrate the end of the rainy season and the appearance of yams, the staple crop in August or September.  Sukkoth, or ‘The Feast of Booths’ is a Jewish festival, thanking God for the harvest and acknowledging the special huts that the people of the Exodus lived in while travelling through the wilderness.   

Reflecting on this ancient tradition, it is obvious that at the centre of all of these festivals are thanks, gratitude and appreciation of what has been received.

According to UCLA, research shows that practicing gratitude, 15 minutes a day, five days a week – for at least six weeks can enhance mental wellness and possibly promote a lasting change in perspective.  In fact, gratitude and its mental health benefits can also positively affect your physical health.

Harvard health tells us that the word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness or gratefulness (depending on the context).  Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible.  With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives.  In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves.  As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals – whether to other people, nature or a higher power.

Reading these articles, I cannot fail to see parallels with the practice of prayer.  As Jesus prepared to distribute the feast at the feeding of the five thousand, he took ‘the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks…’ Matthew 14:13-21.

He gave thanks to God before raising Lazarus from the dead in John’s Gospel and of course at the last supper he took bread, and wine, and again, giving thanks to God, he blessed them and gave them to his disciples. 

This acknowledgement and gratitude for God and his gifts is something that should be a part of everyday Christian prayer.  In more guided prayer it is encouraged that we look back at the day and give thanks for the gifts we have received, perhaps spending time in silence or journaling our appreciation.  It is not always easy to find something good to give thanks for, particularly in the midst of a trauma, pain or of grief, but even then, this practice can help to lift us and as research has shown, provide benefits for us in body mind and soul. 

I don’t know what you give thanks for, but I thank God every day for being called to these parishes and as I reach a full year in post, for the abundance of God’s gifts to us all. 

Revd Susan.