This is one of the most recent reflections I have used this Advent Season and I want to share it with you. It comes from the book, Advent and Christmas, Wisdom from G. K. Chesterton edited by The Center for the Study of . S. Lewis and Friends.
It is commonly in a somewhat cynical sense that Men have said, "Blessed is she that expecteth nothing, for he shall not be disappointed." It was in a wholly happy and enthusiastic sense that Saint Francis said, "Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall enjoy everything." It was by this deliberate idea of starting from zero, from the dark of nothingness of his own deserts, that he did come to enjoy them.SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
The Gift of God
This is what I have seen to be good. It is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the tois with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is ou lot. Like wise all to whom God give wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil--this is the gift of God. For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives,because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts.Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Prayer
Lord, our days are short, but we have done nothing to deserve even the few years of live that you give us. Teach is to be grateful for small things--food and drink and work--by remembering you servant Saint Francis, who truly expected nothing and enjoyed everything he had.
Advent Action
Each time you sit down to eat today, pause a little long than you normally do. Meditate on the words from Ecclesiastes, "it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment." allow yourself to fill with thanks, to be thank-full.
May you all continue to enjoy this Holy Season and may your Christmas be one of happiness and thanksgiving to our Creator who loves us without end!
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!
This and other books in this series Advent and Lent are published by Liguori.
