The Power of Gratefulness and Giving

Well, this moment brings about the close of yet another day. I am so grateful to God for blessing me with this day. I pray his blessings on all those who may be less fortunate than I, those who are more fortunate than I, those who are lost, overwhelmed, or in some sort of need whether it is a financial need, an emotional need, a spiritual need, or a physical need.

Being grateful is a powerful way to begin and end each day. Gratitude can do so much for the mind, spirit and soul. Taking time to be grateful for as many things as possible can bring about the realization of how blessed one really is.. Being blessed goes beyond mere monetary things. It encompasses all the things big or small that can be taken for granted. Once one really thinks about the various things that may or may not be taken for granted, one would be surprised at all the blessings. I can personally think of several situations that I thought at the time were really bad or overwhelming. But looking back, each situation could have actually been worse. Even the worst could have turned into something even more worse. Therefore I have learned to be grateful for things not being even worse. Truthfully, most situations that seem bad could almost always have been worse. Thus the phrase, be grateful things are as good as they are for they could be worse.

As we recognize, list, thank God for our blessings and truly express our gratitude, we should also extend a prayer to God for others. There are those who have no one to pray for them or with them. There are people who know little or nothing about God and praying but need help and hope. Realizing that it is not ever all about any one individual and considering the thoughts, feelings, and problems or burdens of others before ourself makes us more like Jesus. In my opinion, it is an unselfish, mature and emotionally intelligent way to live. I'm not saying neglect self, but have true empathy and compassion for others. Not only pray for others, but also give to and help others when needed.

Sometimes one of the biggest things we can be grateful for and thank God for each day is the ability to give to others, help others and pray for others. Giving can also be a powerful thing. Remember that giving, helping or bringing joy to someone does not always have to be monetary. It can include something as simple as a smile, spending time, giving complements, engaging in conversation, or just listening without being judgmental or dominating the conversation so that person can openly and freely vent. Small things or things that are often taken for granted can not only be blessings for us but also for others. So, when we start the day and end the day with being grateful, giving thanks, offering true empathetic and compassionate prayers for others, ready to give and help others, we can begin to truly see our blessings. We can begin to feel joy and happiness and stop searching for happiness and joy in external things.

Just a thought, maybe true joy and happiness comes from bringing joy and happiness to others.