In preparing for this reflection, I read and listened to a few accounts of Apostle Paul’s experience as he writes his letters to the Philippians. In Philippians 4:10-19 the focus is on Apostle Paul’s appreciation for others who cared for him while in prison. He shares that this experience has been his greatest teacher.  Words such as generosity, gratefulness and gratitude kept emerging. I decided to write about gratitude and so this reflection has this focus.  

Gratitude is a beautiful expression of self-awareness and provides me with a beautiful start to the day. Gratitude for faith, love, family, work, health, and all that impacts my life. I have no doubt that when the start of my day begins with gratitude the lens through which I view my appointments, conversations, and tasks shifts and the day becomes a blessing, another opportunity, another chance …to do something meaningful, to reverence the work of others, to make someone smile, to let someone know how important they are to me.  The complex problems to solve become clearer and manageable, the sadness or disappointments change recognizing these are an important part of our human experience, a reminder for me to reflect on the why and learn from the meaning.  

Gratitude can become a habit, but it must be attended to daily. This means writing about gratitude’s has a place/reminder on my calendar. A special calendar book is used to write my gratitude for the day (it stays close to me and can be found in my suitcase or work bag or on a table close to me). The closeness of my gratitude journal provides another daily reminder to document my gratitude for this date and year. The gratitude book was a gift and one that I treasure. As I look back over the years at my gratitude journal…faith, family, work, and our beautiful world/nature are the predominant themes. These themes are all gifts from God whom I feel blessed to know, love and cherish.   

I have no doubt that many who read this have their own way of expressing their gratitude but if not…start today and see how your day goes.