Gratitude--the feeling

The feelings of gratitude come to us when we receive a gift we consider valuable.  A wonderful gift—maybe we could buy it for ourselves (material things like a new robe or that new iPad) or maybe it’s not available to purchase (a loving spouse or health for our loved ones).  Gratitude happens when we recognize goodness in our lives and that this goodness comes from outside self. We can be grateful to other people, to God, or even forces of the universe, but not ourselves.  Gratitude feels good; it causes a warm, pleasant feeling when we recognize we have received something we value. 

During this busy Christmas season we will hurry and scurry to get things done:  buy and wrap the gifts, writing and mailing Christmas cards, preparing and sharing special food dishes.  Can we stop a few minutes (maybe while sitting in our cars at the red traffic light) to consider what gifts in our lives we value?  Are we thankful (grateful) for the gifts we have received?  When we think on these gifts, we may feel the emotion called gratitude.