If the heart turns away from the blessings God offers how can it hope for happiness? If it does not put its hope and trust in God’s Mercy, where can it find rest? Oh, trust in God! for His Bounty is everlasting, and in His Blessings, for they are superb. Oh! put your faith in the Almighty, for He faileth not and His goodness endureth for ever! His Sun giveth Light continually, and the Clouds of His Mercy are full of the Waters of Compassion with which He waters the hearts of all who trust in Him. His refreshing Breeze ever carries healing in its wings to the parched souls of men! Is it wise to turn away from such a loving Father, Who showers His blessings upon us, and to choose rather to be slaves of matter? (Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 102-103)
This is another one of those life-changing quotes for me as I came to understand that if I wasn’t grateful for the blessings constantly streaming down for me from God right now, why would He send me any more? The more I live in gratitude, the more things I find to be grateful for, and the happier I become.
At a time when I was pretty depressed and couldn’t see any hope for a future in this world, I developed a habit of finding 5 things to be grateful for before getting out of bed in the morning; and 5 more before falling asleep at night. Some days were harder than others to find the bounties and blessings, but the more I persisted, the more often I found myself thanking God in the moment, during the day, as I caught them.
If you’re having trouble thinking of any, this quote has a few to get you started:
- God’s bounties are everlasting (meaning they last longer than any material thing we might think we absolutely have to have)
- His blessings are superb
- He never fails us
- His goodness endures forever
- His Sun gives Light continually
- The Clouds of God’s Mercy are full of the Waters of Compassion
- He waters the hearts of all who trust in Him
- His refreshing Breeze carries healing
Just reading that list makes me feel better! How about you?
Knowing I don’t have to be a slave to my doubt and negativity and can choose to look for God’s bounties and blessings which are everywhere, I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read through today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Fear into Faith: Overcoming Anxiety
I find I have way more than 5 things to be grateful for. I am grateful for so many things,it may make up a small pamphlet.
It’s wonderful how that works, isn’t it Denise? I find that this discipline primes my pump and I find myself spontaneously finding increasing numbers of things to thank God for as I walk through my day.
Yes, the list is helpful. I have depression and am on anti-depression meds, so have a difficult time to find the good that is always around me. For me, love is the best feeling and makes me happy. I go thru my Love list of those who make me happy or have a special blessing that I appreciate and feel the love I have for them. Soon I am full of love and happy. Then I can remember the good all around me.
Please look up the words continual and continuous.
Thank you for all you do. You make me think and love.
Pat
Here are the meanings, Pat (but what did you want to direct us to understand?)
Continual:
1. Recurring regularly or frequently
2. Not interrupted; steady
3. Intermittent; often repeated
Continuous:
1. Uninterrupted in time, sequence, substance, or extent
2. Attached together in repeated units
3. Prolonged without interruption; unceasing
4. In an unbroken series or pattern
I removed the gendered pronouns from the list of God’s bounties, replacing them with “God,” then re-posted it on Facebook and received several positive responses, some from people who surprised me.
Thank you