Gratitude
is supposed to be the greatest attitude of human being. The very first thing
that we teach to our children is to say ‘thank you’. Though this attitude is
often forgotten later on or comes spontaneously without really meaning it, it
is an excellent foundation for human and spiritual life. It is because our life
is a gift of God and in turn we are called to praise and thank God. Therefore
we are called to revere, serve and praise God. This is the sole purpose of
human life. it is also true that gratefulness is a sure way to happiness; it is
also best antidote to discouragement. Have you ever come across a grateful person
who is unhappy or discouraged?
Let
us reflect about our everyday life. Most of the things in life we take it for
granted. We take it for granted that we are alive in the morning. We take it
for granted that breakfast and meals are served at the table on time. We take
it for granted that there is electricity 24x7. If these things do not happen,
then we begin to grumble. The lack of any of these things upset our life. We
become unhappy.
We
see in the Gospels, Jesus frequently gives thanks to his Father. “ I thank you
because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and
learned” (Lk 10, 21). “ I thank you, Father, that you listen to me” (Jn 11,
45). He gave thanks to the Father before feeding the five thousand. Even at the
‘Last Supper’ Jesus gives thanks to the Father. Therefore the celebration of
the “Eucharist” is nothing but thanksgiving.
There
are three kinds of people in this world. The first category of people ‘thank
God’ only for the extraordinary blessings that they received in life like a being
saved from an accident or death. The second categories of people are grateful
for the smaller blessings in life, but become sad or doubt God’s love when they
meet with suffering and setbacks. The third categories of people thanks God at
all times and for all things even the smallest; everything received as gift. Only such people can perceive life as
meaningful even when the circumstances of life are negative. St. Paul speaks of
sure gateway for happiness, “I know what is to have little and I know what is
to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being
well fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do
all things through ‘Christ’ who strengthens me” (Phil 4, 12-14). “ Rejoice
always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus for you”(2 Th 5, 16).
Let
us begin to thank God at every moment of our life. When we meet a person on the
way, when someone gives a smile, when we look at beautiful sunset, when we
enjoy tasty meals, let us whisper ‘thank you Jesus’. When someone betrays our
trust, when someone is not grateful, when someone speaks to us in harsh words,
we shall say ‘thank you Jesus’. This attitude will change our life. Let this
mantra, “thank you Jesus”, keep on repeating in our mind. We will see miracles
that take place in our life. We will be able to see God in everything that we
do. We will grow in our spiritual life. We will become the messengers of peace
and love of Christ.