The attitude of gratitude is a gift and one of which we should constantly practice. Recognizing this gift daily is one we all need for peace of mind, love, grace, and frankly, it gives our lives more meaning. Being that the month of February is the month of love, I'd like this blog to be my love letter to you, my dear reader, as I'm incredibly grateful for the support this blog has had over the last three years.
Gratitude is a practice embraced by all the world's major religions. It has been proven that those who express gratitude are both happier and healthier. Gratitude will bring great comfort and peace daily to those who practice the art of saying thank you. Professor Jeff Wilson, an ordained teacher in Shin Buddhism and who is also a professor of Asian Studies at the University of Waterloo professes: "We practice simply to give thanks for what we have received. It's a small shift in one's perspective, but when pursued, it can be transformative." This is correct in my humble opinion and those who keep gratitude journals will confirm this to be true. To give thanks daily for even the most mundane of things keeps us honest and true to the lives we lead.
I do not necessarily keep a gratitude journal. I journal my thoughts, ideas, challenges, and deepest desires daily. At the end of every entry, I always express what I am grateful for and give thanks to God for allowing it to be. Therefore, listed below are six items that I am grateful for. I could list more but frankly; it would be pages upon pages of reading, and I try to keep my readers from getting bored.
First, I'm grateful to know God. God, you see, is the ultimate universal power. God started and will end everything. God is our one source; God is omnipresent and all encompassing. God is all there is. "Do not be conformed to this world, be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2). I am grateful, thank you.
Second, I'm grateful for the family I grew up with. I had lovely parents and if I were to choose once again, I would pick them. My childhood was what it was, and I moved forward many years ago. I am grateful for all the rocky patches, unhappy experiences, and stressful situations. These life lessons made me stronger, wiser, and able to successfully navigate my way today. I am grateful, thank you.
Third, I'm grateful I had the opportunity to marriage a try. Although it was not perfect, although we had our trials and tribulations, although we had our sad times, I would not have my greatest blessing, nor would I have the lifestyle I currently enjoy. Yes, that part of my life is over, and I've moved forward, but I look back and only see now, the happy times, memories and the life that was shared. I am grateful, thank you.
Fourth, I'm eternally grateful to have reestablished a relationship I thought was lost. I will not go into detail about this other than to say what was lost has been found. What I perceived was gone, is still intact. What was easy, uncomplicated, and comfortable, still is. Jesus said: "Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matthew 7:7). I am grateful, thank you.
Fifth, the life I currently live is perfect. I have made lifelong friends in these past two- and one-half years and I treasure them along with those who stayed with me along life's journey. I am grateful, thank you.
Sixth and finally, I'm grateful to God for all that I have, all that I can give and all that comes to me with love. I am grateful, thank you.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! For his mercy endures forever.
1Chronicles 16:34
February 2019 - Pearl Harbour
