A year of Sundays: 35th Sunday 8/31/25 - Grace, Goodness, and Gratitude!!!

As I stand on the cusp of a new decade, preparing to celebrate a milestone birthday, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. I am so thankful to be alive, healthy, and prosperous, surrounded by the love of my family. I've been reflecting on the lessons learned along the way, and I can honestly say that the one I wish I had embraced years ago is the art of living one day at a time. The perpetual race against the clock, worrying about the future, and dwelling on the past only serve to rob us of the present moment. My plan moving forward is to release that burden and simply be, to live in the moment and have more fun.

The profound wisdom of this approach is summed up perfectly in the Tao Te Ching (Mitchell, 1988), an ancient text that has guided countless individuals toward a life of simplicity and harmony. A central teaching is the concept of wu wei—often translated as "effortless action" or "going with the flow." It teaches us that by letting go of our need to control every outcome, we can find peace and effectiveness. Rather than forcing things to happen, we can act spontaneously and naturally, like a river finding its path to the sea.

The Tao Te Ching teaches that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This is a powerful reminder that our lives are built not on a series of grand, sweeping plans but on the collection of small, mindful moments. It's in the simple act of being present—savoring a cup of coffee, listening to a loved one, or watching the sunset—that we find true contentment and grace. The greatest gift of this new year of life will be the commitment to stop chasing and start living, embracing the goodness and gratitude that already exist in every single day.

References

Mitchell, S. (1988). Tao Te Ching: A new English version. HarperCollins.