Gratitude Journey – Naty Matos

Hey Risers,

I couldn’t wait until Monday to share this bonus post with you, especially given the financial rollercoaster many of us are on this holiday season. It’s Black Friday today, and I couldn’t help but reflect on the fascinating origins of this day. Legend has it that Black Friday emerged as a lifeline for businesses in the red, struggling throughout the year, aiming to turn a profit by year-end – hence the name, Black Friday. Now, don’t quote me on this, as today’s post is a bit of a memory dive. Feel free to fact-check if you’re feeling scholarly.

After a delightful family feast, my little one and I embarked on a joyous drive through neighborhoods adorned with festive lights. The excitement of the day had my little companion dozing off as soon as we got home. Seizing the quiet moment, I indulged in some post-feast “window shopping.” Now, I’m not one to make impulsive purchases, especially when the purse strings are tight. They call me Ms. Google in the family – always researching something. So, I did plenty of browsing and zero buying.

Let me share a little backstory on my Black Friday sentiments. Back in college, I worked in the food court of a bustling mall. Finals were looming in the first week of December, and I’d take time off around Thanksgiving to focus on studying. The catch? I had to work Black Friday, from sunrise to sunset, amidst a sea of shoppers. The traffic was so overwhelming that, despite the counter between us, I felt claustrophobic. I promised myself then to avoid adding to the chaos as a shopper.

Fast forward to last night, as I scoured the web for the perfect gifts for my little one. It dawned on me that these so-called “sales” might not be the bargains they claim to be. Some items seemed to have inflated original prices, making the discounts less impressive. It was a game of price sleuthing, and I was determined not to fall for it. The meme I stumbled upon resonated: “The US is the only place where after giving thanks for what you have, you go buy more stuff that you can’t afford for people you don’t like.” It’s a quirky reality check, reminding us of the gratitude we should hold close.

Amidst my online adventures, a mother’s plea for prayers for her 7-year-old battling respiratory issues kept appearing on my timeline. It hit me – while my little one snored peacefully beside me, her reality was a hospital room. Gratitude washed over me. This morning, my toddler’s breakfast demands were my wake-up call. Meanwhile, a mother was anxiously waiting to transfer her child to another facility for a machine named “last chance.” Perspective.

Reflecting on a formula crisis from two years ago, which we had just transitioned to whole milk before it started, and the minimal health hiccups my little one has had in his short life, I am filled with gratitude. Even if this year means I can’t fulfill all my little one’s wishes, he’ll still receive more love than he needs. As for me, material gifts don’t define my holiday joy. In times of hardship, my roof stands firm, bills are paid, and yes, we occasionally choose ramen for lunch rather than out of necessity.

So, as you navigate the tempting sales today, consider what’s truly essential. Could some of those resources be better spent blessing someone else? Are you embodying the spirit of the holidays or succumbing to the spirit of consumerism?

And a little request, if you can spare a moment, send a prayer for Landon, the 7-year-old fighting in the hospital.

As always, be blessed. 🌟

Hello Risers!

Firstly, I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! Apologies for missing Monday’s post; I’ve been a bit under the weather. As I rested, contemplating this Thanksgiving message, I couldn’t help but dive deeper into the essence of gratitude, especially after our discussions this month about its profound impact on mental and physical health.

Sure, I’m immensely grateful for each of you and your unwavering support over the years. But let’s not skim the surface; let’s plunge into the heart of the matter.

On this day, amidst the laughter and joy, there are running jokes that, though rooted in reality, sometimes overshadow the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It’s more than a feast; it’s a symbolic meal shared in gratitude for survival in a new land. A meal where the pilgrims and Native Americans ate what they had, whether or not there was turkey, is a point of contemplation.

Now, let’s talk about those jokes. There’s the one about the family member whose cooking skills are questionable. While we chuckle, it’s crucial to remember that someone, somewhere, would appreciate that unsavory meal simply because they have none. Your new coworker, your rarely-seen friend juggling multiple jobs, or a neighbor struggling to make ends meet—gratitude extends beyond taste buds.

Then there’s the wise elder with the lengthy blessings. This Thanksgiving, let’s be mindful and compassionate towards them. Their extended blessings might be a glimpse into a life filled with experiences and lessons. Let’s cherish our elders; their wisdom and presence won’t be here forever.

As I rested, I also found myself listening to a Spanish song that, although not directly related to gratitude, serves as a profound wake-up call on how we live our lives. Titled “Jesus is a Verb,” the song emphasizes that Jesus’s message transcends words in the Bible; it’s about love in action. The call is clear: our faith isn’t about buildings or words but about what resides in our souls and how it reflects in our behavior.

The song critiques charity organizations turning elitist, individuals living double lives, and leaders exploiting faith for personal gain. It underscores the idea that talk is cheap; action is what matters. It challenges us to embody the teachings rather than merely preach them.

The most poignant moment for me was when the singer urged us to stop dividing ourselves through faith, pointing out that there are more religions in this world than happy children. A striking realization! The song concludes with a powerful statement about those who lived Christlike lives—being verbs and not nouns—often facing persecution and rejection from society.

So, as we wrap up this year, let’s introspect. Are our expressions of gratitude mere words, or do they resonate in our actions? Are we content with what we have, or is the pursuit of more overshadowing our appreciation for the present? Are our desires fleeting, or do they contribute to something everlasting? In the minutiae of life, let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture.

Love you all, and once again, Happy Thanksgiving!