Expect Nothing, Enjoy Everything

It is commonly, in a somewhat cynical sense, that men have said, “Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall not be disappointed.” It was in a wholly happy and enthusiastic sense that Saint Francis said, “Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall enjoy everything.” It was by this deliberate idea of starting from zero, from the dark nothingness of his own deserts, that he did come to enjoy them. ―G.K. Chesterton, Saint Francis Of Assisi

The Gift of God

This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is our lot. Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil—this is the gift of God. For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives, because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts. ―Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Prayer

Lord, our days are short, but we have done nothing to deserve even the few years of life that you give us. Teach us to be grateful for small things—food and drink and work—by remembering your servant Saint Francis, who truly expected nothing and enjoyed everything he had.

Advent Action

Each time you sit down to eat today, pause a little longer than you normally do. Meditate on the words from Eccle­siastes, “it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment.” Allow yourself to fill with thanks, to be thank-full.

[From: Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton]