” REJOICE ALWAYS, PRAY CONTINUOUSLY,
and GIVE THANKS in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES “
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wow, what a challenge, and what a thought to contemplate so soon after the Season of Thanksgiving!
After I applauded myself for having such a long list to be thankful for, I now recognize how much inner work I have to do in order to “give thanks for all things”!
Reflecting on this passage I find myself asking,
“Is it really possible to be thankful for ALL of the people, events, and circumstances that I really don’t like”? And, “Is there anything in the natural world that exemplifies how to be thankful for all things”?
Then I remembered the Lotus Flower!
From the Ancient Egyptians, to the Asian religions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, the Lotus flower has been revered. She is tall, regal and magnificent. She has a life cycle unlike any other plant. With Her roots latched in mud, she submerges every night into these murky waters and miraculously presents a sparkling clean bloom in the morning. Springing forth from darkened waters, Her humble origins earn Her the honor to symbolize many things, including purity, transcendence, overcoming obstacles and spiritual enlightenment.
Could the Lotus Flower be the symbol that I was looking for to help me understand how it is possible to “Give thanks in ALL circumstances”? Could what we perceive to be turbulent people and situations in our own lives, really be the muddied soil where our spiritual life can root and grow? Could it be that our journey of unconditional happiness is not designed to be rooted in a world that is pure and easy? Could it be, that when we imitate the lotus flower, our lives can blossom in spite of the challenging people and situations that surround us?
And could it be, that when we understand all of the above, that instead of searching for clean and pure water to root in, we will naturally and sincerely
“GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES”!