Cultivating Gratitude

~ In a World Full of Pain and Despair

Whenever I see the calendar heading towards November I begin to think of thankfulness. After all, it is the month of Thanksgiving and the kick-off to the holiday season. This year has been no different. I’ve been thinking of thanksgiving and gratitude ever since the leaves began to turn the colors of fall.

“Expressing thanks may be one of the simplest ways to feel better.”

Gratitude is one of the most well-researched of positive emotions. Consequently, it has been in popular media for several years now. The Harvard Mental Health Letter (November 2011) from Harvard Medical School entitled, In Praise of Gratitude, states that “expressing thanks may be one of the simplest ways to feel better.” We are often encouraged to keep gratitude journals and write letters of gratitude to others. Research has shown these practices and others related to gratitude boost our sense of well-being and bring us happiness.

Scripture is replete with verses on thanksgiving. It admonishes us to give thanks in all things and to think about what is good in our lives. Indeed, my life is full to the brim with blessings that I am thankful for. And yet…there is sorrow in this world. So much sorrow. So many hardships. I have both friends and family members…