The history of grace and gratitude in my life has been a blessing, but it took some thought.
Being in a State of Grace
For those of us who grew up Catholic, the “state of grace” was a transactional model.
Grace was a spiritual commodity. It was like a bank account— the more grace you accumulated through prayer, the sacraments, good deeds, avoiding sin, the fuller your bank account and the less purgatory you had to endure. “Holy” people were filled with grace, sinners, not so much.
The Catholic church has a kinder approach to grace these days.
Grace is more like a light switch. If your spiritual light is turned on, you are in a state of grace.
“Gratitude” and “the state of Grace” are interlinked
Practicing gratitude turns on our spiritual light ….
Our spiritual light allows grace to shine….
Grace is expanded consciousness.
Grace opens our awareness to the experience of wholeness, healing and connectedness.
In these moments where our consciousness expands, Grace reminds us that we are never alone, and that we are connected within the web of life. Adyashanti
“Grace is something that comes to us when we somehow find ourselves completely available, when we become open hearted and open minded, and are willing to entertain the possibility that we may not know what we think we know.”
Grace contains elements of surprise, awe, and mystery.
Grace calls us to trust.
“Let me fall if I must fall. The one I am becoming will catch me.” Baal Shem Tov
Gratitude is a self-blessing, and brings us into a State of Grace.
May Your Thanksgiving Be Filled With Gratitude and Grace 🙏
image courtesy of Ariel Lustre @unsplash.com