Today we are revisiting a previous post from our study on Character. The character trait of gratitude fits in perfectly with what we have been discussing for the past couple of posts in seeking to recognize the vast majority of the things in our lives that go right and not focusing on the few things that go wrong.
Granted, life is hard. It can be very challenging.
Every day is filled with challenges (problems) that we have to face. Some challenges are routine and simple. They are annoying or frustrating, but simple enough to resolve or endure (like traffic). Some challenges are HUGE, even life changing. These can be painful, maybe altering the path for our life. Most challenges, though, are somewhere in the middle. They are events that occur, people who make things difficult, or maybe things just are not coming together like we wanted.
It is very easy to get bogged down by challenges. They can wear on a person. They can make us tired, grumpy, whinny, even abusive. At times, we can feel overwhelmed. It can seem they are really big or so many challenges we can feel helpless to get through.
Those who Pursue Great!, and are pursuing great character are grateful, in spite of the challenges of life. The stronger this character trait is the more it strengthens the soul. When we are developing gratefulness, we have to consciously stop our thought process that is being overrun by the challenges and think about that for which we have to be grateful. In other words… we will have to intentionally change our thinking.
What do you have for which you can be grateful?
First of all… you are alive! Your have been given the gift of life by the Almighty Creator, God Himself. He created you as a special person to love Him, live with Him, enjoy Him and His creation!
Where do you live? There are special and wonderful things about the area of the world you live. Do you have shelter? Do you have clothing? Do you have food? Do you have health? Do you have family? Do you have friends? Do you have an income? The list of blessings goes on and on, even down to very small things in our lives.
Chances are you have an abundance of things for which to be grateful. Chances are these blessings far outweigh the challenges you are facing.
So our character trait is Gratitude.
…begins by recognizing every benefit I have received, and then acts to appreciate consciously those benefits and express thankfulness for them in words followed by deeds of appreciation.
I believe the character trait of gratitude is supported by other components.
Appreciation
…begins by discovering how to observe and recognize others’ good work or good effort, and then acts to mention such work or effort, compliment, and express sincere thanks.
Attentiveness
…begins by finding out on whom or what I should concentrate at a given time, and then acts to focus my thinking undividedly on that person or object for the required time.
Kindness
…begins by observing and recognizing the needs of others, and then acts to meet whatever needs it is able to meet, with no strings attached and no expectation of any kind of return.
Forgiveness
…begins by recognizing that another person has wronged me, resenting that person for what was done, and then acts to give up my resentment completely, and express my action in words to the one who wronged me.
Mercifulness
…begins by grasping the justice required in a given situation, senses a desire to be kind and forgiving, and then acts to show compassion and caring in place of the harsh, strict treatment that is justified.
Just like agapeo, gratitude turns our eyes off of ourselves and outward toward others.