Families and Thanksgiving

A recent experience as a volunteer brought up an issue from my childhood.  I recalled one weekend I spent hours taking care of household duties; laundry and ironing, vacuuming, dusting, baking.  When my mother came home, she asked me if I had also washed the floor.  I recall the feeling of pride rapidly deflating at that time.  With a higher understanding, I now realize that my service at that time (and also more recently) was not unconditional; I had expected to be "paid" with gratitude.  Families offer us unlimited opportunities to develop unconditional love, unconditional forgiveness and unconditional service.  For that we can be very grateful!

I think back to my mother and I realise that every day she took care of household duties and fortunately she did not stand by waiting for any of us children to thank her.  While we celebrated her contributions each year on Mother's Day, we learned from our father to express gratitude for the meal she lovingly prepared for dinner each day.  Further development of gratitude has taken time.

As I reflect on the amazing service offered by parents, guardians and ancestors, from teachers and coaches, from health care workers, from tradespeople, public servants and many more, I realise that the appropriate response to the service offered is to express gratitude and to "pay it forward," offering unconditional service.  When I think about the unconditional service offered by Mother Earth and Father Sun, without which there would be no life on Earth as we know it, the only response I can offer is unconditional service and gratitude.  When I think about the Divine, the source of all life,all my Soul Mothers and Fathers in all layers of Heaven and Mother Earth, the only response I can offer is unconditional service and gratitude.

I am so grateful to have the opportunity within my family to learn about service and gratitude and very grateful now to continue learning as we together create the Love Peace Harmony World Family! See more at:

Chant For World Peace

May the blessings you offer be felt far and wide and may they return to you multiplied manyfold!

Love,
Cynthia