Gratitude and Generosity

In 2016, recovering from colon cancer surgery and treatment, I began to reassess life. In real terms, I resumed daily prayers with a time of giving thanks to God for the many blessings of family, faith, and fiesta! I was convinced again that life can be and should be lived in gratitude and with generosity.

Several authors offered counsel in the area of giving thanks and sharing generosity in my daily life, in the church, and in the community.

As to daily life, I decided to live each moment in the majesty of God's creation and take each step in the assurance of my faith in Jesus Christ. Each step in the mystery of faith has manifested in daily walks, longer walking treks, and in conversation along the way with dear and new friends. 

In the church, wherever appointed to serve as pastor, I share stories of God's faithfulness and providence. Author Kent Millard helped remind me of the blessings we receive daily and how as people of faith we should count our blessings as they lead us into conversations of generosity.

"I invite congregations not to start the conversation about giving with the needs of the congregation. I encourage them to start talking about the blessings God has already given each of us. When people begin to count their blessings, they realize that God has blessed us abundantly. And if we feel any sense of gratitude for these blessings, we want to give to God in appreciation for all God has first given us.
 (Kent Millard, “The Gratitude Path: Leading Your Church to Generosity.”)

In the community, I find that generosity from gratitude leads me to live into God's grace and love my neighbor as Jesus taught. Each of us has something to offer our community in the form of service. The gifts of God are amplified when we all share of ourselves with others - with neighbor.

You will hear me speak more on this topic of gratitude and generosity throughout the year. I have resumed my writing toward the goal of publishing a memoir: "Along the Way: thoughts on gratitude and generosity from a pilgrim's perspective" - stay tuned. 

And may you experience many blessings in gratitude and generosity this fine day.

Along the Way
Pastor Paul


"Carmina Gadelica"
Alexander Carmicheal
A Prayer for Grace

I AM bending my knee
in the eye of the Father who created me,
in the eye of the Son who died for me,
in the eye of the Spirit who cleansed me,
in love and desire.

Pour down upon us from heaven
the rich blessing of Thy Forgiveness;
Thou who art uppermost in the City,
be Thou patient with us.

Grant to us, Thou Savior of Glory,
the fear of God, the love of God, and His affection,
and the will of God to do on earth at all times
as angels and saints do in heaven;
Each day and night give us Thy peace.
Each day and night give us Thy peace.

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