Learning to Be Grateful

As 2024 winds down it is important to reflect on the year that is passing.  Friends United Meeting has invited a variety of Friends to share their thoughts on gratitude.  As David Steindl-Rast, the Catholic theologian, said, “It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful,” so we too shall take time to be grateful. This week's reflection is from Colin Saxton.

One way I monitor the ongoing health of my soul is by paying attention to the first thought that comes to mind when I awake. When my life is on (or at least near!) the right track, what arises within me is “Thank you!” There is an immediate sense of gratitude for the new day and all it will bring. That initial blast of gratitude often carries with me throughout the day and helps me stay thankful, even when things may not always be as I prefer.

Most days, I wake up grateful. Except for those brief bouts of grumpiness, occasional illness, and now momentary detours into despair over the state of the world, I am more often spellbound by all the things there are to be grateful for in this life.

Learning to be grateful, at least for me, requires practice. There is too much pain, brokenness, and suffering in our world to be glib about gratitude. No rose-colored glasses can or should hide these realities, especially from those of us who have more resources, opportunities, safety, and privilege than so many others around the globe.

So, I work at gratitude by:

• Reminding myself that life is a gift from God—one I did not earn, deserve, or control.

• Remembering the place and power of grace in my life and what it might mean for someone else if I am willing to share it.

• Learning to be content with what I have and who I am becoming with Christ’s help.

• Ignoring all the voices telling me what I need to be happy or satisfied.

• Noticing the vast array of people who show up and do their level best, often in hidden and unacknowledged ways, to care for and serve others. Acknowledging their good effort rather than complaining or being critical helps me focus on what matters most.

Colin Saxton

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