Gratitude

Thanksgiving will soon be here once again and we need to consider its meaning without the turkey, etc. All cultures have some form of gratitude ceremonies. In some cultures the very first thing they do when they have a gathering, be it small or large is to think about they should be thankful for. The Akwesasne Mohawk nation spends a half hour or more every day when they gather together, sharing something story or experience they are thankful for. Even children as young as 11 or 12 are expected to take part in sharing something they like or are thankful for.

In modern times we can simply ask people what they are happy about. If young people are allowed to take part they will bring in the most precious stories that will bring tears to your eyes.

An article in Time Magazine supports the good things that giving thanks does for our bodies. entitled, “Why being grateful is good for you.” Gratitude has health benefits.

Thankfulness makes you more optimistic about life.

Gratitude improves your physical health.

You will have a healthier heart: In a study of 186 men and

 women with heart damage, researchers rated the people's

 levels of gratitude and spiritual well-being. They found that

higher gratitude was linked to having a better mood, 

higher quality sleep and less inflammation—which can

worsen the symptoms of heart failure.  And having high

levels of gratitude benefits one’s spiritual well-being. 

Alexandra Sifferin, Time Magazine, Nov. 23, 2015

A 2011 study of college students who struggled to fall asleep due to racing minds and worries found that those who were asked to spend 15 minutes in the evening writing about a positive event that occurred recently were able to "quiet their minds and sleep better.

Gratitude helps you make new friends,. 

Even just sending a text message to a friend expressing

thanks works to your benefit.

Those who express more gratitude have a notable willingness to partake in healthy eating behaviors and seek help for their health-related concerns.

Gratitude is not situational. It does not need to wait for material success, academic achievement, money, status, a certain home or job. It should become a daily habit? Stop looking for happiness out there in the world and learn to find it right here inside of us. 

One of the features of the last days is unthankfulness.

“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” (2nd Timothy 3:2).

When people are less thankful apathy and lethargy set in. They are more likely to become bitter, hostile, angry. Once you give place to that kind of spirit it will take you downhill fast. Don’t allow the spirit of animosity and hatred to cloud your perceptions. This is what the Bible calls an unclean spirit.

It is a unusual time of change in American history. Let’s remember Paul’s admonition to be thankful in all things.