Here in the “Pew” like most people we are hoping and praying for a better year. Hope is an expectation for a certain thing to happen and not everyone hopes for the same thing. Gratitude is a simple a word but the doors it opens can and will be a blessing to those who practice “a little gratitude” often. Right here at the start I would like to change “who practice  a little gratitude” to read… those who live a life of gratitude. I did a lot of reading on this and one thing was clear… this one word, nine letters in all generated more information than I expected. The question I asked was this… what are some of the attributes of gratitude? Consider this. There were two paths of interests that interested me. One of course was the biblical inquiry…the other a simple secular view. So here is the secular view with one caveat. Most of these are to be found in the biblical review of this action. First thing, Gratitude is a verb. It is an action that you do, show, practice and does not do well in a passive state. So Let’s get started.

-Compassion: Gratitude can make people more compassionate and empathetic. It is a sign that a person is willing to make an effort to understand and share your feelings. 

-Mindfulness: Grateful people are mindful and live in the moment. They are aware of what is going on around them which helps them understand your feelings better.

-Expressing gratitude: Grateful people regularly express thankfulness to others. Gratitude is such a compelling emotion that it motivates us to share it with others.

-Appreciating everything: Grateful people look for things to appreciate every day. 

-Positive emotions: Gratitude can trigger positive emotions like joy and compassion. Such a behavior also adds that positive feeling of Joy to our every day lives. 

-Better sleep quality: Feeling grateful can lead to better sleep quality. Whaat? We all can relate to how important it is to lie down at night with a peaceful mind free of turmoil and stress.

-Increased optimism: Gratitude can make people think more positively. Think of the good things in life… that’s in the scripture.

-Connection to others: Gratitude can foster kindness and love, which can help people feel more connected to others. God did not intend for man to be alone. Gratefulness strengthens relationships and fosters good things happening.

-Switching attention: Gratitude can help people switch their attention from toxic emotions like envy and resentment. As written before…think about the the good things.

Practicing gratitude can create a positive social environment. When people regularly express thankfulness, it can encourage others to do the same. Like all good things there is so much more that I could write…Small word…gratitude…but a big message.

Life is Good

Jk