Attitude of Gratitude

by Tom Gilbert
Published September 4, 2007

I wish I could claim a positive and uplifting attitude every day.

Sadly, I fall short. It would be unrealistic to expect I’m going to be bright and chipper at all times in my life. But gratitude does not always mean happiness. Just as joy is much more than a happy state. I think it was C.S. Lewis who said that joy can only be fully appreciated in times of grief.

Sounds like a paradox.

You know, don’t you, that God is often in the paradox. The mystery of eternal and unconditional love is that no matter what God IS and God loves. Always.

Being grateful is more than a feeling. It is expressed in action. The little things really do matter. Can we be grateful for a breath, a moment, a smile, a child, food on the table and forgiveness of our sins? Of course, the forgiveness of our sins is not a little thing. It’s a big deal that we should not lose sight of.

Be grateful for what you have for that opens the door to your heart. We can only be grateful for what we desire and hope for when we are thankful for what we’ve already be given. This Thanksgiving be blessed and be in that blessing. Let it wash over you. Slow down and savor not only your meal, but your family and your friends. Enjoy the moment. Let your heart sing.

Our attitude affects our life’s altitude. The more grateful we are the higher our thoughts may soar. So, thank you fellow readers. Thank you, fellow travelers. Thank you, God.

Viewed 199 times