It seems that, the older I get, the more meaningful and all-inclusive the expression "attitude of gratitude" becomes -- with the word "attitude" being key. Of course, it's usual to feel and express gratitude for those good things that make us happy, and for all those special people whose kindness, generosity and love enrich our lives, just by being who they are. Having experienced so many occasions for a sincere "Thank You" in my life, and always feeling as I said or wrote those mere two words that they were insufficient, I have come to believe that, in a sense, they ARE. Who hasn't at times felt their inadequacy, compared to the feelings prompting them? However, I have also come to see that it's the "attitude" that grows -- the realization that EVERYTHING IS GIFT if we can dare to recognize it. As we begin to see these "gifts" with new eyes, how can we withstand a constant grateful response? How can we resist a non-stop stream of thank you's -- to God, to our human family, to all Creation -and even to the tough stuff, encouraging us to grow!
Sr. Anne Therese Dillen www.osueast.org