Have you ever observed people who are self-absorbed?  They seem to spend most of their time pursuing self-gratification.  It is difficult to be grateful if one is always searching for more of something.  

Gratitude is finding satisfaction with what one has, whether it is a lot or very little.  Being thankful has little to do with things outside of oneself.  It is a deep feeling of fullness inside. One can find this “fullness” by being generous with one’s time, talent or treasure.  How can a person not feel gratitude when one is able to give.  And each of us has something to contribute.

There’s the rub.  Thinking only of oneself precludes giving to others.  Absorption, by definition, has to do with taking in, the opposite of giving out.  The wonder of gratitude is that by giving we always receive.  It’s like feeling good about something twice for each action we perform.  One can feel good about what one has and feel grateful for the opportunity to share it with others.

Gratitude is a state of mind and a state of being, just as self-absorption is.  I think that the most loving thing a parent can do is to teach gratitude by example.  Not only can it lead to learning to live a life of thankfulness, but it could encourage the teaching of this philosophy to another generation.  I can think of no greater legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to write this piece that you are reading.  I am so happy to have you in my life.  Even if you never respond, I am grateful that you took the time to do so.  And for those of you who “like” what I have to say and/or comment, I am filled with joy.  That’s because gratitude recognizes the goodness in this world.  Thank you for the goodness you are giving to me.  I am so grateful.