GRATITUDE

For some, Gratitude is the key to sanity.  When one is aware of a need to be grateful, then virtue becomes more important than ego.

I find for myself, a humbling and peaceful awareness when I respond to a need for gratitude.  The opposite happens when I forget to be grateful and take things and people for granted.

Sometimes, children can show us how to become aware of our need to be a grateful person. Children are truly themselves, good and bold, whatever the occasion might be.  Awhile ago, my sister was chatting on the phone to her grandson. He was very young and pleased to chat with her.  'Nana, will you have a present for me when you come?'  My sister wanted to break the habit of always giving presents, so said no!  There was a moment of silence, then he said, 'I want to talk to my other nana!'

We can be like that at times.  We have friends whom we like to be with, yet if and when they might hurt us with a refusal of some kind, then we may want to be with another friend instead. However, if one is grateful for the very gift of friendship, then one will learn to respond with kindness and forgiveness, especially when the ego is hurt.

The practise of Gratitude is a wonderful Teacher to guide us in building up the gift of true friendships.