It had been a stretch since we had the opportunity to connect, and as always the initial greeting began with a comfortable embrace. It was a cool evening, but much of our life was spent around a campfire so it seemed natural to move out to the sizable fire pit that was ablaze in his back yard. As we eased into our chairs next to the warmth of the fire, my companion began as he always did, “Thank you for being there, it’s so good to see you.”
Our seamless conversation flowed like a gentle stream. As we shared the stories of our lives I was reminded once again why I so relished spending time with this wonderful friend – gratitude. His narratives were always held in a container of gratitude. Even the potholes on his journey had a reflection, a learning that he was grateful for. Likewise, when I would inquire about a certain person or circumstance in his life, he would always begin with, “Thank you for asking” or “That’s kind of you to ask.”
As the lateness of the evening began to draw near and the good tiredness began to occupy more of my body, the warmth of the fire had become secondary to the warmth of the relationship that had dwelt deeply in our quilt of gratitude. “We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for
the loving care which surrounds us on every side.” (BCP 836)
“Gratitude and generosity are similar virtues, but they differ in that gratitude is an internal characteristic and generosity is our external expression of our sense of gratitude. Basically, gratitude is how we feel, and generosity is how we express that feeling out in the world. When we engage with the world from a place of gratitude, it’s the difference between trying to make something happen and allowing something to happen.
The defining difference between effort and effortlessness is the virtue of gratitude. We see the quotes and memes from the sages and gurus that talk about gratitude. But why is gratitude such a core concept of joy, contentment, and well-being in our life? The ancestors tell us there are two primary reasons. The first is that a person cannot exist in a place of fear and true gratitude at the same time. The second is that gratitude is the doorway to divine intuition, which allows us to be guided by our connection with the Creator.
Gratitude moves stagnant energy when we’re feeling stuck in life. The simple act of practicing gratitude disrupts negative thoughts and changes our mindset to see the world in a positive way. Not only are we more attractive to others when we live in gratitude, but the most ordinary things can become extraordinary, creating a fuller, more beautiful expression of our life.” – Doug Good Feather
I am filled with gratitude for my grateful friend and the other folks in my life who embody and share with me the Spirit of gratefulness. As Doug Good Feather goes on to say, “The simple act of practicing gratitude disrupts negative thoughts and changes our mindset to see the world in a positive way.” Or as Author Anne Lamott writes, “The movement of grace toward gratitude brings us from the package of self-obsessed madness to a spiritual awakening. Gratitude is peace.” Amidst our own personal hardships and what often feels like the overwhelming challenges of the world, others have taught me is there is always room for gratitude.
“Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.” (BCP 836)
BP