Thanks for What?

Show gratitude to God. Any who is grateful does so to the profit of the soul; but if any is ungrateful, God is in no need; God is worthy of all praise. (Quran 31:12)

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It's strange, but if put on the spot, many people seem to have a problem figuring out things for which they are thankful. Picture AIF's Thanksgiving/Eid dinner last Friday. We had a nice group of people and we decided to go around and tell a story that reflected thanks. Most of the people groaned and claimed they couldn't think of anything. However, as the conversation went on, everyone eventually discovered that their story came out very easily.

When I was going through a very difficult situation in my life, I used to have to force myself to think of five things for which I was thankful EVERY DAY. I had plenty to be thankful for, but was very caught up in my moment and pity for myself, so those wonderful things were seemingly few and far between. As I got into the habit more and more, I was able to find things to be thankful for all around me! I went from being a very negative drama queen to a much more positive, 'slightly less drama' queen. Perfection isn't my goal, but learning to see the good in the bleakest situation is.

When I find myself back in a situation where the things to be thankful for are once again pushed out of my line of vision, I look to inspiration to bring me back around to reality. One key tool is the Internet. Since I'm on the computer for a good chunk of my week, one of the easiest things to do is simply type in 'thankful' or some similar search term into my browser. One of my favorite sites, wikiHow, has a short, but nice guide on How to Be Thankful.

For what are you thankful?
How do you bring yourself back to reality when negative thoughts bring you down?

It's appropriate that Eid Al-Adha and Thanksgiving fall around the same time this year. Both holidays focus on giving thanks. As you celebrate one or both of these 'thanks-centered' holidays, remember to find something in your everyday to be thankful for, so you can have a thankful heart all year 'round.

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Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com

Thanks!

First of all, I'm thankful for enough time to write a blog post!

I'm thankful for these developments in the world.

As Taboos Ease, Saudi Girl Group Dares to Rock - Robert F. Worth

18 female suicide bombers turn themselves in to U.S. troops - China View

and bittersweetly, I'm very thankful the main troubles in Mumbai came to an end.

A Day of Reckoning as India Toll Tops 170 - Somini Sangupta and Keith Bradsher

I'm thankful for happy news.

Even in tough times, blessings abound - Jay Bookman

Atlanta Institutions Come Together to Honor Human Rights Efforts - Center for Civil and Human Rights

Here's some good news -- for a change - Robert L. Jamieson Jr.

I'm thankful for people working together.

Thanksgiving Together - Christina Kremer

And creatively using talents (and technology) to help people.

Peace in our time? Turning virtual swords into ploughshares - Cara Bonnett

Whether one is religious or not, finding things one is thankful for can provide the basis for making the day the best it can be. Every day, no matter what, no matter the situation, I look for 5 things for which I am thankful. Not just around Thanksgiving, but every day. It has given me much comfort in very dark times.

I can always be thankful for my belief that God provides in good times and in not so good times.
I am thankful for family and friends.
I am thankful for waking up every day.
I am thankful for the beauty and love I can find everywhere in the world.
I am thankful for the ability to constantly find something to learn.

I leave today with this thought from Abraham Lincoln.

"And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

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Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com

God Provides

"And how many creatures do not provide for themselves! God provides for it and for you. God is the Hearer, the Knower." Quran 29:60

We all want something...prosperity of some sort, success, happiness, etc... Our patience to get to that point can be short as our dreams of reaching our goals begin to take over reality and reality becomes an obstacle that can sometimes be overwhelming. Somewhere in the back of our minds, if we'll just listen is a small, steady voice guiding us and cheering us to the next step that will bring us either closer to what we want or what will make us prosper in our own way. Are we listening?

God listens to us and knows our very souls and our deepest desires. Sometimes we are sure the desires we have at the present are the only things that can help us reach happiness in life. God knows if this is true. We simply have to listen, as well. We have to be observant.

It may be painful to start down another path after forging forward on another one for so long, but look, listen and feel. The path God is showing to you may not be the path we think we want or a path that looks like the easiest one, but if we let go and have faith, the path is where we will find what will make us happy.

Is there just one path? I don't believe there is just one path, but there is a way, depending on choices we have made in life, that can use our past, to help us in the present and move us forward in the future. What if the path seems wrong? Then look and know God is there to show you the truth. Muslims pray for God to lead them on the straight path. Know that when you are on that path that things will happen and in a way that does not require you to compromise yourself or your beliefs.

As we move towards Thanksgiving, think about and look for the things God has provided to you. Even if you are in a very difficult situation, look for the tools you have to help you make it through that situation. Whether it is a physical item or even just a coping mechanism. Think about each of these things as something provided to you to help you. When you feel nothing can go right, pull yourself towards prayer, read the Qu'ran and/or try to think of at least one thing to thank God for and give thanks for that. You may find you have many things to help you at that moment.

God is there and is guiding you towards prosperity. God hears your prayers, your thanks, your cries for help and God knows which way will lead you to the goals that will be best for your life. Keep an open mind and heart and trust that no matter the outcome, something good is waiting.

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Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com