On the surface, gratitude is our way of demonstrating thankful appreciation and returning kindness to others. However, the true power of gratitude manifests when we live actively in its state, allowing it to transform our outlook and reshape our entire way of being. Adopting an attitude of gratitude promotes happiness, fosters fulfillment, and enhances wellbeing. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” By recognizing the unbelievable gift that is life itself, we experience joy simply in that which is.
When we embrace gratitude on our spiritual pathway, we emerge from the darkness of negativity, scarcity, and fear into the light of abundance, satisfaction, and contentment. Thomas S. Monson says, “Happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have and offer thanks for all the troubles we don’t have.” In so doing, we block the toxic emotions which can produce anxiety, resentment, and envy. Simply put, we cannot be hateful if we are grateful.
In his book Priestly Fatherhood: Treasure in Earthen Vessels, Father Jacques Philippe writes: “one of the best ways to purify the heart is gratitude. Praise and thanksgiving purify the human heart because they turn it away from itself and turn toward God by expressing faith, hope, and love. Trying, in spite of difficulties, to live in constant thanksgiving will contribute greatly to keeping a pure heart, by not letting it be invaded by bitterness, discouragement, sadness, or anger.”
When we turn our hearts toward God, we are able to relinquish tendencies toward self-preoccupation and connect with something larger than ourselves. We are free to graciously accept God’s gifts, which are ultimately better than any tangible rewards we can otherwise pursue. We mature in virtue and moral development. Marcus Tullius Cicero remarks: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.”
Challenges and setbacks should not deter our on-going expression of gratitude. When endured with faith, our struggles take on new meaning and promote growth. Allowing obstacles to become opportunities encourages us to advance from pain to purpose. Even situations that seem hopeless lead to blessings when we invite God into our lives. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “Every joy and suffering, every event and need can become the matter for thanksgiving which, sharing in that of Christ, should fill one’s whole life: ‘Give thanks in all circumstances’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18)” (CCC 2648).
“Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day,” explains Saint Josemaría Escrivá. “Because he gives you this and that. Because you have been despised. Because you haven’t what you need or because you have. Thank him for everything, because everything is good.”
Develop your attitude of gratitude by choosing to appreciate all things in your life. Take some time every day to treasure what is important to you. Reframe potentially negative circumstances into positive outcomes. Reflect on the good things that happen each day and celebrate them. Challenge yourself not to complain. Thank people freely and genuinely.
In the spirit of gratitude, I would like to thank you for your continued interest and support in this program. Please share the things for which you are thankful and your inspiration for gratitude in the comments section. And be sure to visit our “Weekly Challenges” page this month to explore specific opportunities for cultivating gratitude and advancing healthy habits for the soul.
