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To be truly grateful, that which flows from the heart needs to be named or identified. “What did I just see or hear or feel that brought forth gratitude?” – Marica Riggers
Marcia brings over 50 years of experience and focus on faith in everyday life. A consummate educator, Marcia brings a demonstrated history of pedological capacity-building with a specialization in guiding human systems management and strategic planning related to faith and religion in a cultural context. Marcia has served as an officer on numerous non-profit boards, commissions and task forces – providing creative and thoughtful leadership in a variety of settings. She is dedicated to supporting the role of women in all aspects of ministry and life, seeking justice and hope for individuals, families and communities. Marcia is a Certified Lay Minister in the Lutheran Church (ELCA).
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In a year seemingly stolen from us – gratitude is certainly not the first thought in reflection. And forgiveness? How does one forgive those individuals or groups who through a need for power, incompetence or denial caused the death of millions and changed daily life for us all?
I recently read that when we release expectation and invite appreciation, all the moments of our lives become openings and opportunities. I suspect this is the place where gratitude is connected to forgiveness – where the expectation of release or completion gives way to the opening for new relationships.
For each of us, gratitude and forgiveness are intentional – a choice – a perspective – a conscious decision to see with clarity what is “the moment” and in that moment everything looks different.
Gratitude is about noticing – an emotion or temporary feeling that reaches inward and extends outward. It is the sight of a simple, beautiful blossom or the complex, soul-jarring warmth of a hug between lovers or a hands soft touch between patient and caregiver.
To be truly grateful, that which flows from the heart needs to be named or identified. “What did I just see or hear or feel that brought forth gratitude?” And, in that moment, “what path was cleared? What fog lifted? What relationship changed or was forgiven?”
Gratitude is motivating – it leads to a response.
Opening each of us to new possibilities – to see the potential in forgiveness, gratitude is love alive in the moment – and I am grateful!