Being thankful about a kind act or gesture seems to be a thing of the past. Reaching out to people in need or giving a helping hand appears to be gone. Yes, maybe in a crisis like a tornado that hits your neighborhood or a hurricane depending on where you live, but what about everyday living, like maybe someone at school is quiet and to themselves? We laugh at them, even bully them because they aren’t part of the in- crowd. If we were thankful for what we have and that may even be our friends, then we would have no problem reaching out to those who may sit alone. You may have a good family life, but maybe that person does not. If you were thankful, you would be secure in your feelings that would spur you on to reach out to those who may be going through a difficult time. When we are thankful it is good for our health. It may seem crazy but it is true. Today they are seeing that younger people are having heart attacks. According to heart.org, “Negative thoughts and feelings can lead to depression — which is linked to poor heart health, including inflammation and a weak immune system. Some neuroscience experts think our brains focus on negative information to remember pain so we can avoid it in the future. They call this “negativity bias.” To balance out this natural tendency, we can practice gratitude — a good medicine.” Everyone has things and people in their lives that they are grateful for. There are so many things today that can cause people to have a negative attitude which can actually lead to hatred. You either love or you hate. You are either grateful or you’re not. Love and gratitude can only equal being thankful. Even if you are going through a crisis, there is always something to be thankful for, even if it is the nice weather. You do not need to drown in your depression. Positive thoughts can take you from the depth of depression and raise you up to having your head above the water. Practice thankfulness. Be thankful that you woke up this morning or be thankful that the sun is shining, maybe even that you can even see. You know many people did not wake up this morning and many people may be having a cloudy day and you know there are many people who are blind and can not even see the sky. Practice being thankful and you will see that it will take your mind off of the negative thoughts, even if it is only for a few minutes. But as you keep seeing all around you the things that you can be thankful for like the birds and flowers and the stars and even for those who may hurt you, you will find that you will turn your heart around and you will begin seeing through different eyes all because you are thankful. Today give yourself a big dose of good medicine and when you find yourself on the positive side of life you will even realize that there is a God who does love you. If you know someone who is going through a bad time, be a friend and help them on their journey to finding the good in every situation and you will see that that is good medicine for you also.
Natalie Merchant sang a song called “Kind and Generous.”
I think you will like it. Here is a verse: “You’ve been so kind and generous. I don’t know how you keep on giving. For your kindness, I’m in debt to you. And I never could have come this far without you. For everything you’ve done you know I’m bound, I’m bound to thank you for it.” Now that is what it is all about…Be Thankful!