Sunday, December 12, 2010

Gratitude

A popular theme these days amongst Flickr photographers is "30 days of gratitude".  Each day, the photographer posts an image, with text, about something they're grateful for in their lives.  The 'things' people express their gratitude for is interesting.

Some things you would expect; some you wouldn't.  They include health, family, husbands, wives, children, grandchildren, friends, veterans, pets, simple pleasures, sunny skies, comfort, good memories, vacations, worthwhile endeavours, patience, a sense of humor, cameras, creativity, employment, books, trees, flowers, soup, coffee, chocolate, hot chocolate, hopes, dreams, and thoughtfulness.  The list is almost endless.

The most frequent things people are grateful for, as you might expect, are spouses, family, and friends.  And rightly so.

As Thomas Merton (the writer, thinker, and Trappist monk) once said, "gratitude takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God".

2 comments:

  1. Means readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. To share a sense of humour can bring laughter to another. A camera taking beautiful pictures creates memories. This joyous season of giving and receiving gifts, meals, good company makes for many grateful moments. Seems like a visit to Flickr is warranted. I am so grateful you invited me to view!!

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  2. … gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul … Henry Ward Beecher

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