We are continuously bombarded with messages on what we must have to be happy. We choose a better car, a better body, a group of friends always smiling into the selfie camera, and new and more fashionable clothes at a great sale price. We only post the best photographs on Facebook. We spend hours to get the best, happiest-looking best-angled shot. The only reason for everything is: “I have to have everything I want to be happy”. For being happy we have to grow up a mentality of gratitude.
We practice gratitude when we consciously take time to think about everyone in our lives who has nurtured us and shown us the love of God. We should be thankful for what was given to us even though it was incomplete. Be thankful even for what is invisible to us. This spirit of gratitude should find expression in our relationship with Christ as we participate in Holy Mass. Hence, our practice of gratitude in our life is a very important aspect of our faith.
Even the simple expression, “thank you” can be very powerful, when said with a sincere heart. In our relationships, we can’t substitute the qualities we like most with the ones we wish to form the “perfect” person. And even if you do find your perfect match, after years of marriage, there may be areas and aspects of the relationship you will look for improvement.
We will attain a discipline of gratitude by being thankful even when we do not have everything we want. It means to be thankful even for what is invisible.
It is very hard to be grateful for things you don’t have. You may have to put some effort to be thankful in such a situation. Regularly spending time for prayer will help bring about the gift of the Holy Spirit and the relationships.
Participate in the celebration the Holy Mass with a thankful heart for the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It has been the most selfless act ever in the world. Remember, how a partner sacrifices time or preferences and be thankful. That is how you can practice gratitude. Be appreciative of your partner and it will help build up a stronger relationship or repair a relationship after being through a rough time.
You can give expression to your gratitude through your words of appreciation, works of service, small gifts, or seeking out special time together. You should always be grateful to God and your people.