{"id":442,"date":"2021-01-19T20:11:18","date_gmt":"2021-01-19T20:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/allred10.com\/?p=442"},"modified":"2025-11-24T14:22:25","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T14:22:25","slug":"gratitude","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/allred10.com\/?p=442","title":{"rendered":"Gratitude\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aesop taught, \u201cGratitude is the sign of noble souls.\u201d As parents<\/a><\/span>, we want our children to be noble souls.\u00a0 In order to teach a virtue, we must first have a portion of that virtue.\u00a0 Sophocles shared\u00a0the secret to developing gratitude, \u201cGratitude to gratitude always gives birth.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Raising noble souls requires that we be grateful for the life we have, which will lead to being even more grateful.\u00a0 A good first step is to decide to complain less.\u00a0 Another suggestion is to recognize that \u201cplaying the victim\u201d is not healthy.\u00a0 Those who act like missile seeking targets have little time for gratitude.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Even though we have been richly blessed, some are still ungrateful.\u00a0 The seriousness of the sin of ingratitude is perfectly illustrated by W. Eugene Hansen.\u00a0 \u201cIt has been said that the sin of ingratitude is more serious than the sin of revenge.\u00a0 With revenge, we return evil for evil, but with ingratitude, we return evil for good.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Expressing gratitude is a great way to reinforce the gratitude we feel.\u00a0 John F. Kennedy explained that words of appreciation are not enough, \u201cAs we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.\u201d\u00a0 His words remind me of a poem by Grace Noll Crowell entitled “Because of Thy Great Bounty.”\u00a0 These stanzas have a wonderful message:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I have been given much, I too must give.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I cannot see another\u2019s lack and I not share.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll share thy love again, according to thy word.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The following is my Top Ten List of Things for Which I Am Grateful<\/span>.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Waking up each morning next to my wife, realizing that I have one more day with her.\u00a0 I have been on the brink of death with a heart that was dying.\u00a0 Receiving a heart transplant gave me more time with my wife and helped me to understand how much I cherish her.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Knowing that my children walk in truth.\u00a0 We are surrounded by the enemy of truth.\u00a0 Too many intelligent people substitute their arrogance-driven opinions for true wisdom.\u00a0 Having children that \u201cchoose the right\u201d has been a wonderful blessing for us, as parents.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Having a loving family and friends.\u00a0 The support of my family and true friends has helped me with every problem I have experienced.\u00a0 Nothing is more important to me than to love and be loved in return.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Feeling the hope, peace and joy that come from the Lord, Jesus Christ.\u00a0 Without God, life has no meaning and loving earthly relationships are fleeting.\u00a0 He is the light of life.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

5)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Working on meaningful projects with good people.\u00a0 My life has been blessed by being involved in meaningful work, both as a professional and as a volunteer.\u00a0 Humans need to work and to be engaged in meaningful activities to feel fulfillment.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

6)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Living in a country that allows me life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.\u00a0 The United States of America is a nation established and blessed by God.\u00a0 It is my obligation to protect this nation from destructive politics and those who ignore the Constitution and the purpose of our country.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

7)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Seeing the beauties of nature.\u00a0 We have travelled the world and found beauty everywhere we have gone.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

8)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lifting and being lifted by others.\u00a0 An anonymous family gave me the heart that now beats in my chest.\u00a0 I show my gratitude by serving others and working to ensure that people understand how they can Donate Life.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

9)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Learning new and interesting things.\u00a0 We are privileged to live in a world where knowledge is ubiquitous.\u00a0 It is a miracle that I have almost immediate answers to almost any question on my smart phone.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

10)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Enjoying each new day and the promise it brings.\u00a0 Every new day offers the possibility of a new experience, a new friend, a new understanding, a better me.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I am grateful for a life that gives me the opportunity to be a more noble soul and share that gratitude with my posterity<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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