Practicing Gratitude in Not-So-Obvious Ways

Unconventional Spiritual Practice #4

For the last two years on the Tuesday before the US Thanksgiving, I share an unconventional prayer of gratitude, giving thanks for the things we may not normally be grateful for or the things we’re hesitant to hold.

This one is included as part of a continuing series here on The Soul Minimalist where I bring forth some unconventional spiritual practices.¹ I hope you’ll play along.

I’ll include the two I’ve written below and then invite you to share a line or two in the comments (I would LOVE to read what you come up with!) Let’s fill that comment box with gratitude for the good, the wonky, the wobbly, and the regular: even if we’re giving it the side-eye; even if we’re not sure it’s a gift.

A leaf in my front yard.

An Unconventional Gratitude #1

Gratitude, you are welcome here today.

I admit I've been standoffish, doubting you can make much difference. But you help me number my days and see the gifts and notice the small things.

Compassion you are welcome here today.

I confess I use to think you were too soft. I wanted you but shamed myself for needing you. But you allow me to breathe again. You soften my gaze.

Grief you are welcome here today.

I'll admit I don't like the sound of you and it's taken me awhile to know and name your many faces. But you are my witness, my necessary companion, my expression of hidden losses that need to be expressed.

Hope you are welcome here today.

I confess more than once I've rolled my eyes in your general direction. Built walls to protect myself against the light. But you are relentless in your pursuit. You must know how vital you are for our survival.

Mystery you are welcome here today.

I'll tell you the truth: I prefer certainty. I'm sure you hear that a lot. But your vibe is growing on me, the way you invite me deeper, hold my curiosities, and don't talk much.

God you are welcome here today.

I confess sometimes that line has brought anxiety, indifference, suspician, or hesitation. Other times it brings comfort and equanimity. As the God I've come to know, you embody gratitude, compassion, grief, hope, and mystery.

Amen.²

The trees in my neighborhood.

An Unconventional Gratitude #2

Silence, you are welcome here today.

I crave you and I'm suspicious of you. What can I say, you're a fickle friend and so am I. I want the peace you bring, but I could do without your lack of answers or your indifference to my impatience. Maybe we can meet in the middle.

Discomfort, you are welcome here today.

I say this through clenched teeth. If I'm honest, I would never choose you. But maybe I need you to choose me, so that I can remember that even though I don't like you, you're what I need to grow. With you by my side, I'm more prepared to know my neighbor.

Questions, you are welcome here today.

You already know I prefer answers. But lately you're my only option. Instead of pushing you away, I'll hold you close today. Show me what I need to know in my unknowing. Teach me a childlike curiosity.

Celebration, you are welcome here today.

I'm not one to throw a party but sometimes it's the only thing that fits. I confess I don't speak your language well. I am a beginner here. Sit down beside me and teach me to hope.

Courage, you are welcome here today.

I confess I'm not sure you'll like it here. I hope you do but I have my doubts. If you stay, I hope you'll stretch all the way out, pass out every gift you brought with you. I promise I'll try them all on.

Spirit, you are welcome here today.

I'm pretty sure there's a song that has that lyric. I'll admit I haven't been singing that one lately. But I'm learning that you bring solace in the silence, peace in discomfort, acceptance in the questioning, celebration in the hesitation, and courage even when I feel afraid, alone, or indifferent.

Amen.³

---

As you consider your own unconventional gratitude, I wonder what comes to mind? Loneliness? Joy? Hunger? Rest? I hope you’ll write at least one in the comments. Tell the whole truth about it but promise not to overthink it.

What would you welcome here today?

May grace surprise you kindly as you go along your way,

epf

1. The other unconventional spiritual practices we’ve talked about so far: Marking Moments and Milestones, Returning Home from a Trip, and Name What’s Saving Our Life.

2. If you would like for me to read this one for you or take it along your way, you can listen right here.

3. And here’s where you can listen to the second one.