By Kiri Groeneveld
THE printed words you are reading right now mark the 30th youth column I’ve written for The Catholic Leader.
I understand it is not the milestone of 50 columns, or the landmark of 100, however I do feel it is a nice round number worthy of celebrating.
Thirty is like the little proud number that deserves a pat on the back – good job, buddy.
And so, to celebrate, I thought I would take a leaf from the literature of the modern age – that burgeoning resource of inspiration and procrastination – that labyrinthine collection of words and phrases exposing thousands of people around the world to raw emotions and instant opinions – Facebook.
One of the latest activities I have noticed on ol’ facie is the “5 for 5”.
Each day you type up the top five things you are most grateful for on that day and share it with your friends.
You do this for five days, and when you have reached the fifth day, you nominate someone else to continue with their “5 for 5”.
It is such a simple task – they only ask for five things you are grateful for – not 10 – not 50 – just five.
It is also an enjoyable task – I’ve become quite fond of reading what other people are grateful for because it provides a window into their life and a unique perspective on mine at the same time.
I also believe it is an important task, that extends beyond social media.
We should all take the time to acknowledge the things in our daily lives that have made us smile and made us laugh, that have brought a sense of calm or inner peace to our day, and that have connected us with the lives of others.
One glance at current headlines are enough to prove the horror and unfairness of the world we live in, from religious persecution and civil unrest, to the grip of depression and senseless violence.
I know I am joining thousands when I pray for our brothers and sisters who live amidst these examples of suffering every day, knowing full well they are only just that; snap shots of the myriad other terrors in the world we know little about.
I believe no one person has the power to right these numerous wrongs. I also believe with my whole heart that we as individuals have the responsibility to try anyway.
Imagine what these attempts would add up to together, to help our brothers and sisters, to care, to forgive, to love. And I believe we cannot do these properly without starting with God, and starting with ourselves. God is love.
And to love is to will the good of the other. He wills the good in our lives, and delivers us the mission to do this on earth for others.
To see love among people is to see God.
Imagine the day we turn on the television, or open the paper, or click on the update, and we are met with stories of joy, hope and compassion. Imagine when we do this, and see God. This is our starting point.
And so, to get back to celebrating my 30th column, I would like to take this moment to share with you my five things I am grateful for right now:
1. The Catholic Leader for allowing me this opportunity to express my faith each month, and for keeping the faith with us week to week.
2. You, for taking the time to read it.
3. The safety and freedom of my home and country, knowing I can not only declare my beliefs, but express them openly without fear of persecution.
4. Those that have introduced me to the “5 for 5”, bringing me moments of joy in my daily life.
5. And God. Always.
You can follow Kiri on Twitter and Instagram @KiriGroeneveld.
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