Be The light
Thanksgiving is always a favorite time of year for me. While most are excited about heading home to spend some much-needed time with family and friends, or eating all of the excellent food, the detail that means the most to me is that we get one day where the focus is entirely on one thing - GRATITUDE.
grat·i·tude /ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/ - the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
It's easy to pinpoint a moment when the simple decision of living in gratitude changed the course of my life. When going through a difficult period, I decided, at that moment, that the only way through was to seek and see everything through the eyes of thanksgiving. This was no easy feat! You would be surprised to see how quickly the mind can take you to some pretty dark places, but through will and determination, you can see your way through.
I tried everything throughout that time - gratitude journals, writing ten moments I felt thankful for at the end of the day, even wearing a snug-fitting rubber band around my wrist and giving myself a little pop when I felt my mind was moving towards the negative side. I realized in the midst of all of that - the key to living and feeling free wasn't just expressing gratitude during the small moments of the day, but meeting God in Prayer where I was and thanking him for the gifts I had already received.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by Prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
Living a life of gratitude does not mean that everything is perfect. It does mean that regardless of the imperfections, you are choosing to see the light and God-given opportunity in each moment. I am often asked why I am always smiling and how I am still so positively optimistic. I love this compliment, truly! As someone that coyly steers away from compliments on how I look or nice things I've done, I genuinely relish in the goodness that comes from someone that looks at me, smiles, and says, wow, you exude something special; you are such a light.
I am thankful to God in those moments because I realize it's not the positivity and years of mindset training I've done to become the person I am, but the presence of God and all his graces that shine forth. This small act encourages an encounter with the Lord and acts as a form of quiet evangelization, leaving the person to wonder how I can be that way.
The answer is so simple. Plant the seeds of your faith and let the darkness and rain develop those seeds under the surface so they can evolve into what they are meant to be. Finally, let the light that shines forth from your eyes and your heart cast brightness onto those seeds. The result is a beautiful bloom. The elements and conditions it experienced is how it became the beautiful flower it is now.
So go forth, Be the light. Our world needs it, especially now. If you can do one thing for yourself this holiday season, it's becoming a living example of light and faith while expressing gratitude so that others may look at you and say, I can be that, too.
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16
With Gratitude & Love,
Marissa Marguerite Lenon
About The Author
Marissa Lenon resides in Los Angeles, CA. She is passionate about supporting young Catholic professionals to expand in their faith. Marissa writes with an emphasis on personal discernment, relationships, professional development, and self-empowerment.
Finding solace in the rosary, acts of kindness, daily mass, and novenas, Marissa believes the real pathway to happiness is helping others achieve their greatness and potential through faith!
Marissa facilitates marketing, branding, writing, and event planning for Seeking Excellence alongside a talented group of individuals.
Connect with Marissa on Instagram @bellemarissa_xoxo or send her an email at marissa@thosewhoseek.org
The Saints can teach us how to express gratitude too!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from our most beloved Saints.
"Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because he gives you this and that. Because you have been despised. Because you haven't what you need or because you have. Thank him for everything, because everything is good." – St. Josemaria Escriva
"Prayer is an aspiration of the heart. It is a simple glance directed to Heaven. It is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy." –St. Therese Lisieux
"In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks." – St. Teresa of Avila
"The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness." – St. Gianna Beretta Molla
"Thank God ahead of time." – Bl. Solanus Casey
"Would that I could exhaust myself in acts of thanksgiving and gratitude towards this Divine Heart, for the great favor He shows us." – St. Margaret Mary Alacoque