“Gratitude” is one of the spiritual disciplines which I’ve learned to practice regularly. I practice gratitude personally, in community with team members, and with a specific group of committed “spiritual friends” in Communitas. Both ancient wisdom and modern brain science confirm that this is valuable practice for us because it sharpens our attunement to spiritual things, but is also beneficial for our physical and mental well-being.
The practice of gratitude does not need to be complicated. Often it’s simply a few minutes of silence and/or prayer asking God to help me recall a moment to be grateful for. Sometimes it’s enough to be grateful for a meaningful conversation. Other times it’s a wonderful meal with friends. A little less frequently I recall an amazing time where “God showed up” in an extraordinary way.
In one sense the “what” we’re grateful for is less important than intentionally cultivating a grateful heart, which in turn deepens our relationship with God. With that in mind, here’s my top five:
God’s unfailing, unconditional, eternal love.
Even when I can’t or won’t love myself, God still delights in me, His child. Nothing can change that.Every 24 hours a new day begins.
For as long as God chooses to allow it, the sun rises and sets every day as the earth spins on its axis. With each new dawn, new hope, opportunities, and possibilities arise. For good or ill, what happened yesterday is now the past, and God’s good future lies ahead.Safe harbor from anxiety.
The world is nuts these days. So much so that it’s hard to imagine NOT being riddled with anxiety all the time. I’ve had my share. I’m glad God is bigger than the chaos. (see #1 and #2)The people in my life.
Beginning with my wife, Heidi, to my daughters, my parents, then friends, family, colleagues, teachers, and mentors. All of those whom I love and cherish, and those who feel the same way toward me. A fulfilling life is ultimately about relationships. And I am grateful for each and every person in my life.Health.
Having suffered the past few years with extreme back pain, and now healed from it, I know very well how easy it is to take good health for granted. Don’t. I certainly won’t ever again.