We all know that one of the best ways to get out of a funk
is to take a moment (or longer) and simply give thanks for what we’ve got. How
does this work?
·
It makes us happy to think about happy
things. When we remind ourselves of the positive things in our lives, we
often smile at the good things around us.
·
It helps us turn bad things into good things.
Got a cold? Thank God it’s not cancer. Worried about losing your job? At least
you’ve got one.
·
It puts things in perspective. When we’re
thankful for the miracle of happy and healthy kids, it’s hard to get too bent
out of shape over the ‘C’ on their report card. A messy bathroom isn’t as life
altering when we remember we’ve got a roof over our heads.
·
It reminds us to thank other people. How
many times has our day been made when someone reached out with a card, email,
or phone call just to say thanks? We love being appreciated, and it costs so
little to do.
As you probably know, I have a gratitude list I carry in my
smart phone. I look at it regularly, especially when I’m tempted to get bummed
about what I don’t have or who I am not. I always recommend this to people.
In Sunday’s Gospel we will hear about the 10 lepers whom
Jesus healed, and the rather surprising notion that only one came back to say
thanks. Sure it’s rather astonishing so few had the courtesy to do so, but also
because the expression of gratitude is so good for us.
For what are we grateful today? Who do we need to thank right now? How might we go about doing
so?
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Reading
A Distant Mirror – Barbara Tuchman
Unapologetic – Francis Spufford
Leaders Make the Future- Bob Johansen
