The Power of being Grateful

Life is tiring. Uninspiring or stressful job, insufficient income, busy family, lonely or troubled love-life and a lot of complicated situations. Sometimes we just can’t help but see the negative things around us. What we need to do is pause *pause* and ask ourselves, have we been grateful lately?

G – God. Have you been grateful to God? Everyday, He is pouring us blessings. From big to small, it depends on how we notice them: that beautiful weather, no traffic jam, a free lunch, a 3.0 passing grade from thermodynamics, a forgiveness from a friend, a job interview, a new-born baby.

R – Relationships. Have you been grateful with your relationships? Relationships with your family, your partner, your co-workers or your friends? Your dad may not be your ideal dad, but at least he doesn’t drink or smoke. Your family may have financial problems, but at least it’s not broken. Your partner, who at the end of your every day, is there to listen and be with you or your friends that are always there through thick and thin.

A – Alive. Despite that roaring thunder last night, or the frequent earthquakes, have you been thankful that you are still alive? That you can still see your family, your children or your loved ones?

T – Triumphs. When was the last time you called on God? Was it when you had problems? How about the times of your success? Be thankful for your triumphs, in that way you may be given more.

E – Endeavors. Your efforts in achieving a goal determine how much you believe in what you are doing. In order to get ahead, you must first get started and through your efforts, soon you will be successful. Be thankful, that you find something you believe in worthy of your endeavor.

F – Failures. Through failures we learn. Through failures we realize the things that aren’t meant for us. Through failures we see and test how tough we are and how strong we are to stand up again from the fall.

U – Unexpected. Opportunities sometimes come unexpected and we need to be quick to realize them for they are also quick to pass us by.

L – Love. Nothing beats love. It’s one of the most powerful reasons why we want live each day. The love of a mother to her child, the love of husband to his wife, the love of a teacher to her students, the love of an employer to his employees, and our love to God.

Live Life! :)

You see, a little change of perspective and you’ll realize that there are a lot of things that we can be thankful for. The more grateful you are, the more you will enjoy God’s blessings. So be grateful.

(Meaning of GRATEFUL from one of the talks in The Feast Cebu).