Step Back into Gratitude
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.…” – Lk 2:29-32
I have a tug-of-war relationship with gratitude. In the past couple of years, one of the tenants I try to maintain is to give thanks for everything in life. I do not want to forget where I came from or how lucky I am to be where I am at. But sometimes, it is easy to get caught up in being busy or wrapped up in negativity, leaving gratitude to fall to the wayside. Sometimes, even being enraptured in joy and festivities, I forget to give thanks first.
This Christmas season, especially the time between Christmas Day and New Years, feels like a magical week frozen in time. The hectic hubbub of Christmas parties and shopping is over, New Years plans have not come to fruition yet, and there seems to be a lull overtaking the streets (or so I tell myself as my recent Costco trip was finally not filled with people packed like sardines). People either take the week off or at least work is not as hectic, and thus a sense of winding down for the year fills the atmosphere. In this stillness, I find myself seeing an opportunity to reflect on this year as it closes, whether in top lists of 2022 on the internet or personal reflections on some of the big accomplishments and challenges in life. This week allows all of us to take stock of how far we have come and to give thanks to those who journeyed with us. Most importantly, it invites us to thank the one who walks step-in-step with us in everything: God.
Even if this week may not be as slow for you (perhaps you are in the health industry where work never stops or are in a turbulent time in your life) the readings today ask us to take a step back to embrace this season of joy and give thanks and praise to God. Simeon finds peace in seeing God's promise fulfilled through Christ during Jesus' presentation at the temple and the psalm invites us to join with the heavens and earth in rejoicing in the Lord. Similarly, no matter where we are at, we are invited to take a breath to sing God's praises whether out loud or in the comfort of our hearts where He hears our most intimate offerings. Whether in big milestones we find in our year-end reflections or in little things such as shelter, food, or even the first breath of each day, God always grants us graces and blessings abundant. In this magical season, may we let go for a bit, recognize God's guiding hand in our lives, and embrace the gratitude we have for each other and for God for the gifts of this day, month, year, and life.
We thank you Lord for the promise You fulfilled through Christ and for Your presence in every moment in our lives this year. Allow us to sing Your praises and give thanks to You and those around us no matter where we find ourselves and celebrate this beautiful Christmas season especially in our hearts.
Kevin Nguyen