Gratitude

We seem to have forgot how to be grateful for the things we have in this world. The blessings that are bestowed upon us and we forget to appreciate when people are kind or good to us, when they help us, or when they genuinely are there for us.  The other part of being grateful is doing good for others when you have the time, abilities, and resources. 


A grateful heart is an understanding heart.  In the Bible, the best example of this comes from Second Chronicles verses 8-12, as follows:
Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. ⁹ Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. ¹⁰ Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
¹¹ God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, ¹² therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”


Solomon is grateful to the Lord for all the blessings he had bestowed on his family.  Solomon could have asked for anything, but because he was grateful, he simply asked for knowledge and wisdom, or more simply put, an understanding heart.  Solomon wanted to be a blessing to his people and lead them well.  Solomon made mistakes but he was always grateful.


A modern example of this story is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who might be one of the most humble and grateful people in Hollywood.  If you have ever heard his story, you know he came from a humble beginning, even living in his car at one point.  He continued his journey and never gave up on becoming a success.  After everything that happened to him, he could have turned bitter and only cared about himself, but he never let fear and doubt change him.  He remained hopeful, understanding, kind and grateful to those who supported him.  He regularly does extraordinary things for people that are closet to him, shows great respect for the fans who support him, and remembers to always be grateful.


I truly believe the best that humanity has to offer is to remain grateful, no matter what happens. It grounds you, makes you appreciate everything, and allows you to be successful by helping lift others up.