"If the only prayer you say in your life is "thank you", that would suffice." Meister Eckhart

I think this is one of the 5 most profound quotes I've ever heard. (Maybe I'll blog about the other 4 sometime.) As a little child, I was taught the importance of gratefulness, but as an adult, I learn more and more every day just how significant gratitude is. In fact, it may be the highest virtue.

I'm not thinking of the usual quick 'thank you' we blurt out to people in a hurry. Or a recited prayer at a meal, usually without thinking much of the words we're saying (yes, I'm a sinner, I do this regularly, maybe you don't.) Or the obligitory thank you card for a gift.

I'm thinking more how a true saint shows gratitude. Like Charles DeFoucauld giving up riches, reputation, everything to live his life a hermit in the Saharan desert. St. Mary of Egypt doing the same thing after converting from prostitution to the true faith. St. Herman of Alaska, already a celibate cloistered Russian Orthodox monk, moving thousands of miles to the frozen tundra of Alaska to bring the gospel to native Americans, and defend them against oppression.

So how do I show gratitude to God for his ridiculously awesome love and mercy to me? I complain. I whine. I expect more, from God and from life. And the little good I do, all because of his grace, I reach around and pat myself on the back, expecting others to notice.

This morning I had one of those contemplative moments where all this becomes clear again. It's been over 4 months since I got laid off. I've had a couple declinations on jobs, countless resumes emailed to black holes, and staffing executives hiding like children from my phone calls. And while I've been accused of being paranoid too much, I agree with Andy Grove: just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get you. Thinking of all this got me headed towards a nice little mini pity party.

Back to my contemplative moment. So at Keystone in the Crossing early this morning for an appointment, I went for a mile long walk around a beautiful lake. The weather here in May is perfect: cool, not too cold or hot, gorgeous flowers everywhere, the sun rising in the perfectly blue sky, birds softly chirping, a distant din of the highway, flavoring an otherwise silent and simple walk in solitude. And through the beauty of it all, I realize how much I have to be thankful for: family, friends, health, provision, love, life, my lovely wife, beauty, splendor, children, sounds, sights, faith, God's word, God's Spirit, God's glory, God's peace, God's presence, God.

And for the next 20 minutes around the lake I take in the majesty of life and recite one of my favorite short arrow prayers: thank you Lord for everything you've given, everything you've done, and everything you are.

"I love you" says the Lord, as silhouettes of deer scamper across the morning dew, barely visible in the early light of dawn.

"I love you" says the Almighty, as a bright red cardinal perches upon a tree limb outside our clear window.

"I love you" says the Creator, as the bright orange sun bursts through the horizon to introduce another new day.

"I love you" says the Father, as my family arises to busy about another school and work day, sharing and resting in his Love.

"I love you" says God, as a racoon peers through the neighbors picket fence, and climbs her way to return to her dwelling and rest.

"I love you" says the Spirit, as a small flock of geese fly overhead and swoop to a landing near a crysal clear pond.

"I love you" says the Son, as the Priest holds high the sacrifice of his body and blood, shed to reveal his love to all.

As I revel in this abundance of love, I wonder how I could possibly say I love you in return.

O Lord, help me to abandon myself to you in the simplicity of the present moment of this wonderful day.