I was recently talking with a friend about how important it is to seek and acknowledge blessings even (and perhaps especially) when we are facing severe trials in our natural life.

It is interesting how much that does to convert states of sorrow and depression to something that feels more peaceful, even if it doesn't "fix" everything.  I was picturing the calm that can settle over us after a good cry.  Are we, to a certain extent, getting in touch with states like this?  Breathing deeply, it is as if we are assuring ourselves that - while this is hard - our life has taught us that it won't last forever, and we trust there are brighter days ahead.

Reflections like this have led the faithful to a very helpful adage for our age: "In the end it really is going to be ok.  So if it is not ok right now, it is not the end."  Perhaps this is what adopting more of an eternal than temporal view of the purpose of our life can look like.

Love and Peace,

Ethan

Spiritual Thanksgiving.  

(New Church Life, 1970)

Each of us can look for what is eternal in all that befalls us, and we can give thanks that the Lord in every temporal event foresees and provides what is best for our eternal happiness. 

Such thanks is not dependent upon the externals of the celebrations; it is not dependent upon the plenty of the natural harvest; for it knows that even in suffering and adversity the Lord can and does provide what is of eternal value. 

Happy is the one who so trusts the Lord; for they continually give thanks!

 
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing the praises of the Most High." "Seek first the kingdom of God, and His justice, and all these things shall be added unto you." "The Lord looks to eternal things, and to temporal things only in so far as they accord with eternal things." "0 Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches."