Greed stifles thanksgiving

“I have been thinking of something that stifles thanksgiving. It is the spirit of greed – the greed of doing, being, and having.…Our “self image” is dependent not on the quiet and hidden “do this for my sake” but on the list the world hands us of what is “important.” It is a long list, and it is both foolish and impossible. If we fall for it, we neglect the short list. Only a few things are really important, and for those we have the promise of divine help: sitting in silence with the Master in order to hear His words and obey them in the ordinary line of duty – for example in being a good husband, wife, mother, son, daughter, or spiritual father or mother to those nearby who need protection and care – humble work which is never on the world’s list because it leads to nothing impressive on one’s resume.” ~Elisabeth Elliot