President's Update - December 2011
Gratitude: It’s a Choice
A few years ago I wrote a little booklet I hand out from time to time—about all the things I’ve learned form the men of The Bowery Mission. Yes, it’s true—the formerly homeless men in our recovery program have taught me many more valuable things than I’ve ever been able to return to them.
One of the best examples is the truth that gratitude is a choice. Many Bowery Mission graduates who seem to have little that would make them thankful, consider their rescue and recovery a huge miracle for which they are profoundly grateful. And by choosing to focus on their blessings, they accelerate their recovery, gain loyal friends and open new opportunities for themselves. Everyone wants to be around a grateful person.
Willie Nelson said once: When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” How does this all apply to you and me? It means we can all cultivate a sense of gratitude this Christmas season and change our lives in a very significant way in 2012.
Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Gratefully,
Ed Morgan, President
P.S. For a free copy of the booklet “Spiritual Lessons from the Men of the Bowery,” email jramaine@bowery.org and include a mailing address.