First Church in Barre, Universalist

Adult and Children’s Religious Education

Growing through Gratitude: A Challenge for This Fall

This is an invitation to a challenge. One very concrete way to become a better person is to practice gratitude. Don’t just believe me, try it. From now until Thanksgiving in November, I invite You to take on a gratitude practice, or if You already have one, to re-affirm your commitment to it. A gratitude practice could include things such as the following:

• Keep a gratitude journal where each day You write three things for which You’re grateful.
• Say grace before a specific meal or before all meals.
• Sign up for and read the Word for the Day from www.Gratefulness.org
• Sign up for and read the monthly newsletter from www.Gratefulness.org
• Make a point of remembering to say “Thank You,” to people who help You, especially family members and close friends (where we sometimes have a tendency to take folks for granted)
• On a daily basis, read a devotional book such as, “Graces: Prayers for Everyday Meals and Special Occasions” by June Cotner.

Remember You don’t have to do them all. Choose just one or two that really strike You and try to do it each day. If You fall off the wagon and forget to do it between now and November, just be gentle with yourself. When You realize You’ve forgotten, simply forgive yourself and resume without a fuss.

To give each other encouragement in the process, You’ve welcome to get together with others who are taking on the challenge. We’ll meet twice this fall. I’ll let You know the dates soon. But You don’t need to come to these gatherings in order to take the challenge.

In November, there will be a lay-led worship service on November 20. Those of You who participated in this challenge will be welcome to participate in the service and share what You’ve learned this fall. But again it’s not necessary to participate in the service in order to take on this challenge.

Why am I extending this invitation? Because gratitude is a doorway to Grace, to Joy. When we cultivate gratitude in ourselves, we attune ourselves to what is good and blessed and lovely in our lives. It’s one of the most health-giving things we can do. But don’t just believe me, try it!
Warmly,
Rev. M’ellen

Videos on Gratitude

A video with beautiful imagery and a message worth listening to.

A man traveling the world doing a silly gratitude dance and the people who join him. Sure to bring a smile to your face.

The story of a man who found that focusing on the simple blessings of life could make a bigger difference in his life than he ever imagined.