A Little Friday Gratitude – Religion

Do you ever feel gratitude for something?  Just an out-of-the-blue feeling of appreciation?  It could be for anything – your job, your house, your parents – anything that you appreciate.

I feel that way today actually.  It might sound a little funny, but I am grateful for religion.  My religion specifically.  I was raised in a religious family and culture and I think sometimes I took it for granted.  My experiences through the years have taken me all over the place when it comes to living my religion, but I’ve never lost that fundamental belief in its truthfulness.

And that belief is what helps me during times of stress.  For example, my husband and I have been talking recently about the national economic issues that face us, as probably most Americans have.  The CPA is in a unique position as his field is tax policy and he works for a U.S. senator.  Therefore he knows a lot of information and has some definite opinions about what should be done.  Because of his experience and his position, I trust him when he tells me his thoughts on the best possible solutions for the country.

As we discussed these solutions, I couldn’t help but worry about what they would mean to us, the “little guys.”  Would we lose our jobs, our homes, our livelihoods?  What would happen if the banks failed and we were without money?  In a state of panic, I voiced my concerns to my husband, who was equally aware of the possible problems in our country’s future.

But then it hit us both – we don’t have to worry.  I mean it’s human nature to be concerned and stressed and for me, it’s a matter of habit.  But I suddenly felt a sense of calm as I realized that whatever happens, we will be okay.  And we will be okay because of the belief that we have, the faith in something bigger than us, call it a higher purpose if you will.  It helps to put things in perspective a bit.  Even if it’s hard to retain that perspective all of the time, I still get glimpses of it, like during this discussion about the economy.  It was enough to calm me down and remind me that life is good.  It was also enough to remind me how grateful I am for having the religion and belief that I do.  I’m afraid I would be lost without it.

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