If we are at all aware of how dependent we are on God–for the air webreathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the very ability to eatand drink and breathe, to think and feel and will, and to walk, talk, andsense–we will feel grateful and want to reciprocate God’s kindness. We willwant to do something for He (or She or They) who has done, and continues todo, so much for us.Often we take things for granted until we lose them. I use my right hand tochant on meditation beads, and one morning I found that I had severearthritic pain in my hand and could no longer use it for chanting. I hadtaken the use of my hand for granted, but when its use was lost, I resolvedto never take my hand for granted and to always use it in the best way inGod’ service.How, in a general sense, can we attempt to return some of God’s favor, someof God’s care–and love–for us? In a talk, my spiritual master, SrilaPrabhupada, gave one answer:“Whatever you have got by pious or impious activities, you cannot change.But you can change your position, by Krsna consciousness. That you canchange. Other things you cannot change. If you are white, you cannot becomeblack, or if you are black, you cannot become white. That is not possible.But you can become a first-class Krsna conscious person. Either you areblack or white, it doesn’t matter. This is Krsna consciousness. Thereforeour endeavor should be how to become Krsna conscious. Other things we cannotchange. This is not possible.tasyaiva hetoh prayateta kovidona labhyate yad bhramatam upary adhahtal labhyate duhkhavad anyatah sukhamkalena sarvatra gabhira-ramhasa[SB 1.5.18]Kalena, by time, you will get whatever you are destined. Don’t bother aboutso-called economic development. So far as food is concerned, Krsna issupplying. Eko bahunam yo vidadhati kaman. He is supplying even cats anddogs and ants. Why not you? There is no need of bothering Krsna, ‘God, giveus our daily bread.’ He will give you. Don’t bother. Try to become veryfaithful servant of God. ‘Oh, God has given me so many things. So let megive my energy to serve Krsna.’ This is required. This is Krsnaconsciousness. ‘I have taken so much, life after life, from Krsna. Now letme dedicate this life to Krsna.’ This is Krsna consciousness. ‘I will notlet this life go uselessly like cats and dogs. Let me utilize it for Krsnaconsciousness.’”I pray that I will dedicate this life and everything that I have–everythingthat God has given me–fully in God’s service, following His pure devotees.manasa, deho, geho, yo kichu moraarpilun tuya pade, nanda-kisora“Mind, body, and home, whatever may be mine, I surrender at Your lotus feet,O youthful son of Nanda [Krsna]!” (Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Saranagati)Gratitude for God’s GiftsBy Giriraj Swami
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