Sometimes its one of the most difficult things to find.
Sometimes it just doesn’t come easily. Sometimes it absolutely blossoms when we
least expect it too. What am I talking about? I’m talking about that
often-elusive word: Gratitude.
According to the magazine Psychology Today, Gratitude is defined as the following: “Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation
for what one has—as opposed to, say, a consumer-oriented emphasis on
what one wants or needs—and is currently receiving a great deal of
attention as a facet of positive psychology. Gratitude is what gets
poured into the glass to make it half full. Studies show that gratitude not
only can be deliberately cultivated but also can increase levels of well-being
and happiness among those who do cultivate it. In addition, grateful
thinking—and especially expression of it to others—is associated with increased
levels of energy, optimism, and empathy.”
Yet this world
fills our hearts with such negativity, personal wants and selfishness that
gratitude is often lost. It is easy to happen. As Psychology Today states we live in a consumer-oriented world. We
are never satisfied, since we always are in want. Our whole culture seems to be
built around the latest piece of electronics or most popular vehicle on the
market.
During this season
of Advent when we are supposed to be preparing ourselves for the coming of the
Christ, we are overly inundated by perpetual consumerism. Commercials, ads and
sales are in every store. We are driven to want what we want when we want it.
And if we are unable to acquire whatever item(s) we desire, we often become
angry and resentful. Gratitude cannot exist in the same environment as
selfishness and self-centeredness. Gratitude has to start from within our hearts.
It is an attitude and lifestyle. Gratitude is an ongoing practice. It doesn’t
come easy but it teaches us to be more caring of others, thankful for what God
has provided us, and benevolent in nature.
Gratitude is also
healthy for our souls. It creates a genuine sense of joy for the simple things
in life. It creates a sincere thankfulness for life itself, and the blessings
of another day of life. It ingrains in our hearts, minds and souls a deep and
resilient positive attitude. Gratitude teaches us to be less concerned with
ourselves and more interested in helping our neighbor.
What are we
grateful for in our lives? What do we have in life that we often take for
granted? Are we willing to work towards cultivating an attitude of gratitude?
The choices are
ours of course, but without gratitude in life just think how unhappy, less
empathetic towards others and pessimistic we live.
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