by Joan Shack
On December 16, 1996, a close friend was in a serious car accident. At 7:30 AM the next morning they wheeled her out of surgery. For six hours, doctors had needed to use rods, pegs, and plates to repair and reconnect fractured bones. She knows she is lucky to be alive, that Mother’s grace alone protected her from serious spine or head injury or lose of an eye. She was confined to bed for six weeks, unable to move or help herself. She now manages to get out of bed, sit up in a chair, and use her right hand.
When visited, she expresses appreciation for her ‘newest’ achievement—using a spoon, holding a book, or signing her name. Nothing is taken for granted. Her perspective on life is forever altered. In spite of the appearance of misfortune, the accident serves as a catalyst for her spiritual growth and mine.
Her predominant attitude is gratitude—gratitude towards the Mother, gratitude that broken bones do mend, and gratitude for her supportive friends and compassionate nurses. Every act of kindness witnessed is attributed to Mother’s grace. In her recovery, she faces many unknowns. Fears do surface. But, inevitably gratitude shines radiant. Our conversations turn into spiritual discourses on this subject.
Gratitude is a virtue not woven into the fabric of our modern life. It is a quiet virtue, rarely extolled. We may wonder why. Yet, gratitude requires detachment and faith—detachment from desired outcomes and faith that the Divine operates in our life for our benefit in all circumstances, whether ‘desirable’ or not. As a spiritual practice, it in unsurpassed in its power to produce an inner transformation. How? By allowing the trials and difficulties of life to become spiritual gifts—opportunities for growth. A grateful attitude lets undesired experiences work for us and not against us by focusing one in faith, facilitating inner reflection and contact with divinity.
Though not faced with great physical hardships like my friend, gratitude has surfaced as a practice in my life too. Finding myself facing uncertainty in unexpected challenges and shouldering unfamiliar responsibilities, my dominant feeling is one of thankfulness. There are times when I find it truly hard to understand Mother’s play. Nevertheless, I am grateful to be part of it!
