The Power of Gratitude

[Barbara Moulton]

I'm speaking at a women's dinner on Saturday night. Their theme is thanksgiving so I have decided to speak on "The Power of Gratitude".

I have the outline written. Wondered if any of you had any thoughts that might help continue to stir my creative juices?

[Marsha Gupton]

Barbara

I think this is an excellent subject for you to speak on. My thoughts are that in today's world, there seems to be a lack of gratitude. It seems that we do not show appreciation or thanks to others for their deeds of kindness or for their contributions.

Sometimes gratitude is as small as giving a small inexpensive token, but the results of that can be immeasurable. I remember one year at work when I worked for the Department of Human Services, our Commissioner donned a Santa Claus hat and passed out candy canes to all the employees. Now, I know that is something very small and to many may seem corny and trivial, but would you believe that the employees were so amazed and appreciative that our commissioner would take time out of his day to do that?

I may post more thoughts later as I think of them!

[Marsha Gupton]

Dictionary.com defines gratitude as the act of being grateful or thankful.

I believe that thanks/thankfulness has many degrees.

Gratitude can also be seeing the positive while being in a negative situation or going through trauma.

[Andrea Larabee]

Along the lines of what Marsha was saying in post #4, I think that our gratitude seems to radiate most of it's "power" when we have a heart of gratitude in the midst of our turmoil. It does help and is needed daily but really is the brightest in the tough times.

The following is a devotion from today, Oct. 11th, in the book "God Calling"

Psalm 34:1,4,5.
1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

See, My children, that even in distress, the first step is Praise. Before you cry in your distress, bless the Lord; even when troubles seem to overwhelm you.

That is My Divine order of approach. Observe this always. In the greatest distress, search until you find cause for thankfulness. Then bless and thank.

You have thus established a line of communication between yourself and Me. Along that line let your cry of distress follow.

Thus you will find I do My part, and deliverence will be sure. Oh! the gladness of heart. Lightened you will be, the burden rolled away, as the result of looking to Me.

The shame and distress will be lifted too. That is always the second step. First right with Me, and then you will be righted too in the eyes of men.

[Margaret Center]

Here is a quote from Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. [Melody Beattie])

[Barbara Moulton]

Here is a quote from Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. [Melody Beattie])

Thanks for the quote.

One of my points concerns the transforming power of gratitude. This fits in well.

I've started to wonder recently if we have trivialized gratitude....into just "saying thanks". But there is a healing and restoration when incorporate gratitude and thanksgiving into our spiritual disciplines. It is powerful.

[Barbara Moulton]

My three points were.

1. Gratitude is intentional (It's more than just saying thank you it is living thank you)

2. Gratitude is transformative. (It can change everything, even when nothing changes)

3. Gratitude is restorative. (It can heal us and heal our relationships.)

It went very well. I would love to have more opportunities to speak to women's groups but with my church, hospital and family work there doesn't seem to be much time availalble.

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

Doing a friendly bump - as we near the American Thanksgiving Season.....

Great food for thought, Barbara. Thanks for sharing your outline.

Reminds me of a recent thought from a friend of mine where she shared of 'getting in return what you give'. The thoughts from her along with your thoughts on gratitude have made for some contemplation during this season.