I find myself stumbling over the flowery writing style, but feel like she is moving past the "appetizer" and into the "main course" of this book and concept. I have always loved naming things, my art, my projects, especially my children, but it never occurred to me that there was a link to God in the process of naming something. The idea that naming the blessings, gifts, moments to be thankful for during my day would also be a link to God is a neat concept that I will need to ponder a bit more.
"Rejecting joy to stand in solidarity with the suffering doesn't rescue the suffering. ...(those) who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy..." (pg 58) Do I wallow in the suffering and reject the joy that is possible? Do I believe joy is really possible at all? I think I need to come back and ponder this chapter some more....
What about you? How did this chapter sit with you?What do you think about naming?
What about joy...do you reject joy for the sake of suffering?
How do you practice thanksgiving?
"...that life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change." (pg 61)
I have not forgot, I just got in from being gone on vacation. Will post soon!
ReplyDeleteWhat I took from this is that Paul had to LEARN to be content in all things. Learning indicates you make a conscious effort to change something in your mind/life. It takes effort, time, dedication to change, etc. The same can be said about being thankful. I cannot just wake up and say that I will be thankful for all things starting today. I need to put in time, effort, dedication to change, etc. I did not learn the lessons in college without time and effort and I cannot learn new behavior without time and effort.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter is what I needed to read right now. I do need to work at being more thankful and content. I agree with you Sharon, it takes time and effort to learn a new behavior. It's not an easy task. But, I know that I should be, something this chapter really opened my eyes up to.
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