daily hope
Happiness as Gratitude
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:5b (recording quotes MSG). The linked Bible reader uses the World English Bible.
Meditation transcript
Transcript of the recording. Scripture translation labels describe the translation quoted in the audio.
0:00I think it's fair to say that we're all looking for something to make us happy.
0:07We assume that if we had that one thing that we desire, then that would make us happy.
0:15And maybe that's true, but that type of happiness is usually short-lived and fleeting.
0:24Today, try thinking of happiness as gratitude for what you already have.
0:34Okay, let's begin by getting comfortable.
0:42Take a few nice, big, deep breaths.
0:49And when you're ready, allow your eyes to slowly close.
0:59Take a moment to consider this verse: Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
1:18And again, love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
1:41With a gentle curiosity, begin to notice the breath.
1:52Natural breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
2:08Make the breath deep and full of life.
2:15Allow that fresh air to fill up the lungs, and then relax the body as you exhale.
2:39Let your body become heavy as your mind continues to relax.
2:48You are exactly where you need to be.
3:04And now, come to the heartbeat, maybe even listen for its rhythm.
3:20Just relaxing and releasing.
3:30If the thoughts take you away, that's okay.
3:37When it's easy, bring your awareness back to the heartbeat.
3:52Just listen to your heartbeat and the gentle sound of your breath.
4:06Let your breath act as an anchor to this moment and this practice.
4:20With each breath, allow yourself to rest further into the calm of God's love.
4:42With an easy awareness, bring your attention to the space in the room.
5:03Just noticing the space with an easy curiosity.
5:17Notice your place in the room.
5:30Feel the weight of your body in the chair.
5:40Feel the air on your skin.
5:51Listen to the sounds in the room.
5:57Maybe it's quiet in the room, maybe it's not.
6:03Both are okay.
6:15You're just listening and welcoming the sounds as part of the exercise.
6:30Not wishing to change the sounds, just accepting the sounds as they are.
6:49When it feels natural, slowly bring your awareness to the breath.
7:08Allow your breath to be a reminder to stay in this present moment.
7:27If your mind begins to wander, you can always come back to the feeling of the breath.
7:45Relax and let your body honor the natural calm that only comes from the presence of a loving God.
8:10Take this verse with you, "Love doesn't want what it doesn't have." Slowly begin to bring your awareness back to the body, maybe even move your fingers and toes a
8:46little bit.
8:47When it feels natural, allow your eyes to slowly open.
8:54Take another big deep breath in and let it out with a sigh.
9:01Notice how you feel.
9:04I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
9:07We'll see you again tomorrow, with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.