GRATITUDE AND ITS PRACTICE - A REAL LIFE CHALLENGE
"GRATITUDE as a DISCIPLINE involves a CONSCIOUS CHOICE.
I CAN CHOOSE TO BE GRATEFUL
even when my emotions and feelings
are steeped in hurt and resentment.
It is amazing how many occassions
present themselves in which we can choose
gratitude instead of complaint:
I can choose TO BE GRATEFUL when I am criticized,
even when my heart responds in bitterness.
I can choose TO SPEAK OF GOODNESS AND BEAUTY
even when my inner eye still looks for someone
to accuse or something to call ugly.
I can choose TO LISTEN TO THE VOICES THAT FORGIVE
AND TO LOOK AT FACES THAT SMILE,
even when I still hear words of revenge and see grimaces of hatred."
HENRI NOUWEN, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
HENRI NOUWEN, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly;
teach and admonish another in all wisdom;
and with gratitude in your hearts
sing psalms, hymns, and spiriutal songs to God.
Whatever you do, in words or in deed,
do everything in the name of Jesus."
Col. 3: 17
