Gratitude

In a sermon during mass, the priest told the story about two angels in heaven. In one room, the angel inside is so busy answering phone calls from lines that keep on ringing. In the other room, the angel inside is calmly seated with only one phone that barely rings. Curious, the observer asked the angel why his companion in the other room is so busy while he is not. He said that the many calls in the other room are petitions and prayers from the people on earth. On his side, the phone is for people who remember to say thank you for the prayers and petitions granted but it barely rings. 

Many times, when we need something so badly, we storm the heavens with prayers to grant our wishes. When there’s no answer, we become angry and resentful. Sometimes, we even blame God for turning a deaf ear. But when we receive answers to our prayers, we often forget to say thank you.

Gratitude is being thankful for whatever comes our way. It is a great feeling when someone remembers to thank you for something you have done for them. And when you express gratitude to others, you also feel lighter and more content.

“Gratitude can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”
– Melody Beattie

Practicing gratitude opens up your life to more blessings. When you express gratefulness even in the smallest things, your perception of the world changes. It’s like seeing a glass of water half-full or half-empty. When you focus on the good in your life, more goodness is pulled into your reality. Lack becomes abundance.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that you only thank the good that comes into your life. Even bad things, incidences, or experiences are something to be thankful for. These experiences teach you values like patience, perseverance, resilience, and courage. These are life lessons that mold you into becoming a better or the best version of yourself.

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Epicurus

Stop searching for happiness, start practicing gratitude. Appreciate the small things that you have and work for the things that you want. Don’t envy others who have what you desire. They have worked hard to have those things in their life. Instead, make them an inspiration for you to also achieve your goals.

There is so much to be grateful for. Every day is a blessing, each sunrise is a chance to start anew. Give thanks for that chance and live life with gratefulness.