Today I want to share a secret to happiness with you. It’s a key mindset in life and a great power inherent in every person, though not everyone makes use of it. It’s what pulls us out of despondency and brings us warmth, even during life’s gloomy moments. It’s the opposite of complaining, grumbling, fear, and dwelling on failure. It brings us back to reality with a smile on our faces.
What is it, then? It's very simple: gratitude! It's an expression of gratitude and joy for the gifts in our lives. What kind, for example? Well, let's see:
- I live
- A new day has begun
- There is food
- a roof over one's head
- health and strength, no matter how much of them there may be
- the people who are dear to me
- Resolving Past Conflicts
- recovery from illness
- love
- other people's patience and attention toward me
- nice weather
- nature
- clean tap water
- fresh air
- etc.
What are you grateful for today? And who should you thank first and foremost?
Psalm 102. A Psalm of David
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Bless, O my heart, His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
Don't forget all the blessings He has given you!
A — He forgives all your sins,
B — heals all your ailments,
B — saves your life from destruction,
G—may He crown you with His mercy and generosity!
D — He showers you with His gifts —
E—and you're young again, like an eagle!
Z — The Lord administers justice —
stands up for all the oppressed.
Z — He revealed His ways to Moses,
to the children of Israel—His wonders.
And—the Lord is generous and merciful,
long-suffering, merciful.
…
No matter how high the sky stretches above the earth—
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.
As far as the West is from the East—
In this way, He has taken away our sins.
Just as a father loves his sons—
For the Lord loves those who fear Him.
He knows what we're made of,
reminds us that we are but dust.
A person and his life are like grass,
Like a wildflower, it fades,
The wind blows, and he is gone,
as if it had never been here at all.
From the beginning to the end of time
The Lord is gracious to those who fear Him,
rewards the children and grandchildren of those who,
who keeps His covenant,
remembers and obeys His laws.
…
Bless the Lord, all you creatures!
Everywhere—His kingdom!
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
