Free, part 3 – gratitude

A grateful spirit is a characteristic of the person most likely to be successful in handling stress. This was the comment in our posting two days ago. Let's expand on that concept.

It is interesting to see books and articles cross our paths in timely fashion. The latest Readers Digest has an outstanding article entilted “New Science of Thank You,” written by Deborah Norville. It is amazing how science is now corroborating what the Bible stated oh so many years ago.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Ephesians 5:20: “Give thanks FOR all things. Give thanks IN all things.) The article is taken from the book, “Thank you Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You.” The following is an adaptation.

Robert Emmons, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, has long been interested in the role gratitude plays in physical and emotional well-being. In his research with a partner, he took three groups of volunteers and randomly assigned them to focus on one of three things each week: hassles, things for which they were grateful and ordinary life events.

Results: The people who focused on gratitude were just flat-out happier. They saw their lives in favorable terms. They reported fewer negative physical symptoms such as headaches or colds, and they were active in ways that were good for them, like more exercise than the other groups. Plain and simple, those who were grateful had a higher quality of life. They had more joy, energy, were more optimistic, more helpful to others, less materialistic, less depressive, envious and anxious. A feeling of gratitude gets people to do something, to become more pro-social, more compassionate. This didn’t happen in the other two groups.

Related studies of gratitude have found other benefits as well: clearer thinking, better resilience during tough times, higher immune response, less likelihood of being plagued by stress, longer lives, closer family ties and greater religiousness.

The suggestion is made to keep a gratitude journal. Right before bedtime, jot down three things that happened that day for which you were grateful. After each situation write down why this was good for you. Also, make a note of who, if anyone, played a role in what you’ve recalled for the day and how that person had an impact on your life. The gratitude journal makes you look at life in a positive, concrete way reminding you of its interconnectedness in a fast-paced, impersonal world and how much others add to the quality of your life. It enhances your self-esteem.

Over time, you’ll notice a consistent pattern. Many entries will underscore the importance of people in your life. Others will highlight meaningful experiences.

Another aspect of a grateful spirit is the boomerang principle. Gratitude, when expressed to others, almost always comes back around. People who feel appreciated are more willing to make an effort for those who make them feel valued.

The author suggests, “seize the moment.” Look around you: what’s right with your world? If you have a hobby, practice it. If you don’t, find one. Reach out to others; share something. A small gesture toward another individual costs you little but can bring many benefits – and increases your attitude of gratitude.

Barbara Fredrickson of the University of North Caroline says, “Gratitude has the potential to change everything from its ordinary state to being a gift.”
And I may add, it is easier to develop a grateful mindset as we learn more and more about God’s love for us and how He desires intimacy with us, and how He promises to work everything for our good if we love Him and are called according to His purpose.

“You earthly fathers being evil love to give good gifts to your children, how much more your Heavenly Father wants to give to you.” (Matthew 7:11)