Scenes from the first day in Sydney

Scenes from the first day in Sydney
D, the Opera House, and the Bridge

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation




These pictures were taken in Ku-rin-gai Chase National Park last Thursday... I don't know that I would ever tire of the natural beauty here, though I suppose it could be possible that I would take it for granted if I lived here. Perhaps that's one of the good things about being a tourist?

As our program draws to a close these days, we've been about the business of reflecting on the fruits of our experiences here in Australia, the graces we've received, the lessons we've learned, etc. As you know from your own experience, when we spent time counting up our blessings, we can experience a sense of well being and fullness that is quite deep and lasting. But even as good as it feels to us when we take stock personally in this way, there is something even better, even more marvelous, when we express this gratitude to others, and to God.

This morning we had a chance to give feedback to the leadership of the Australian province of the Jesuits, and in all that, there was this palpable sense of being privileged, that is, to be grateful for that which we could never earn or merit... this gift of seven months here in this beautiful country, the hospitality of the hundreds and hundred of people we met along the way, and maybe most of all to one another for friendship, which is a gift beyond measuring.

There have been times when I've heard people say to me or to others, "you're worth it," as if to suggest that somehow we're entitled to the good things that come into our lives. To be honest, I think that whether this is true or not, it misses the boat entirely. Somehow, feeling and expressing a sense of unmerited privilege and deep appreciation is so much more satisfying than thinking that I am entitled. Does this resonate with you?

9 comments:

  1. you have such a lot of good stuff to talk about, it's a shame you dont converse a bit!

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  2. Kylie,

    Converse, as in with folks who comment? I appreciate the fact that you do comment-- you're one of a few. Or did you have something else in mind?

    Gratefully,
    David

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  3. Although probably in a different context, I have often been told, "you deserve it." I usually, reply, "no more than any one else, " which moves the conversation in a different direction. But I often think about what might have prompted the comment. Your reflection does resonate with me in that an attitude of gratefulness is always in order and can bring about deeper exchanges, I guess. Thanks!

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  4. Mary,

    Great to hear from you! Hope that the summer has been restful and fun? I saw on your blog that you were reading Kegan and finding it fruitful. If you are interested, one of my mentors on the dissertation does faculty development based on Kegan's work. If you're interested in me making a connection for you, let me know.

    Cheers,

    David

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  5. yay! i meant with folks who comment!
    i am excited about the possibilities for ministry with blogging and i think you could really enrich people but i think the whole thing works better when a relationship develops.

    cheers :) :)

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  6. now, to address the actual post: i am an aussie and tho i dont often take time to enjoy too much scenery i havent gotten tired of it yet.
    i sometimes struggle with a sense of being unappreciated but maybe that is different to feeling entitled?
    a sense of entitlement is a very dangerous thing from what i can see. first it alienates those around and of course that will eventually come full circle for the "entitled one"
    gratitude is an important thing for general life satisfaction.
    last november i posted something i was grateful for every day. the idea of focussing on gratitude for a whole month yields different results to sitting down and thinking for, say, an hour or two. it was an interesting exercise

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  7. Yup, a daily practice of gratitude has a long term effect, without doubt. Sad to say, this blog is reaching the end of its life cycle as I am about to leave Oz and return to the States. It's been a real pleasure, but I have doubts as to whether I will have time once I start back to work. Thank you though, for reaching out this way and for the encouragement!

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  8. That's very thoughtful of you. I will let you know. In the meantime, enjoy your final days in Oz. I wish you well as you move on to the next leg of the journey, so to speak. Be well

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  9. Good one on gratitude and it helps a lot.

    Thanks,
    Karim - Mind Power

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