Reflect

By living gratefully, we have the chance to be liberated from division, greed, and all the pitfalls of taking life for granted. But our gratefulness remains incomplete without action. Gratefulness, Br. David Steindl-Rast writes, “will be that full response which releases the full power of my compassion. Gratefulness is creative; gratefulness overflows into action.” If we’re grateful, say, for clean air, the right to vote, or safe neighborhoods, then that gratefulness calls for action. What are we doing to protect these things, not only for ourselves but for everyone? If you find yourself overwhelmed by the needs of the world, reroot in what you’re grateful for. Remind yourself what you deem essential and valuable for a good life. Start with your thanks, and let that overflow into action.