23 June, 2008

"I'm Grateful!"

"How are you?" We all ask the question of one another; mindlessly, routinely... and the responses come: "fine", "don't ask", "OK". We smile and continue on, barely paying attention. But, what if the answer isn't that easy to ignore? What if "how are you?" is answered with an emphatic " I'm grateful!"? Whoa, that changes things; the focus shifts. A counter-question is now required.

A few of us who attended Synod assembly heard Rev. Dr. Paul Hill speak on this topic a few weeks ago. He knew a man who always answered the "how are you" query with an "I'm grateful" response. He challenged us to try it. We have, with one another. Since we know the background, and how this was framed in a "Passing On The Faith" context, it's easy. I tried it outside of my comfort zone on Saturday morning and was met with both stares and smiles; a mixed reaction that became a purely positive experience. I am indeed grateful, for so many things, too numerous to list! Back in the mid-nineties I read Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach and began to list gratitudes in a journal that was a reflection of my daily life at that time. I still do that, but not regularly. This outward witness to a grateful life kicks that whole list-making discipline up a notch. Give it a try. "How are you?" "GRATEful!" "Wow, me too!"
Life is Good!

12 comments:

Nane said...

I am going to try it!

Mama Spark said...

But what happened after the stares and smiles?? You have to tell us...the rest of the story! I think I will try it too.

Libby said...

Yes, reminding myself of the blessings I have sure helps when it feels like there's nothing but turmoil all around *s*

julieQ said...

I will give it a go! Thank you for your positive posts...love them!

Michele Bilyeu said...

"Simple Abundance" started me on the Gratitude Journal Journey and I kept one for years and years. Expressing gratitude and treasuring its blessings changed everything in my life from that point forward. Sarah B. also gave me 'permission' to have pj days...another blessing and gratitude I needed back then! I still think fondly of that book whenever I'm moodling, feeling grateful or wearing my pj's ;)

Barb said...

I am very moved by your blog entry, IF ONLY we all could apply "I'm Grateful" to our thoughts and to our words -- I will hold this thought, and hopefully "pass it on", THANK YOU!

Three Birds Inspired said...

What a wonderful idea! I will try it myself. It will be very interesting (and telling) to see what happens!

Rhonda said...

I love reading your posts! It always get me thinking.
I'm gonna give it a try. :o)

Salem Stitcher said...

With things being the way they are now - gas prices, economy, demands at work - I really needed to have this thought running through my head. I am grateful for so many things. The other stuff will either improve or not. If not, we adapt. It will be interesting to see the responses to the statement.

Thanks for provoking good thoughts!

Todd, Kari, Anna and Gracie said...

Never thought to respond that way! It does make us all think about how grateful our lives are~ what we have and what were grateful of. I think that would be a wonderful way to show people what you think about your life. LOVE the post!! Once again you have triggered me to think about all the good things that are around my life, and everyone elses!! Have a great day!

Juliann in WA said...

Great post! Also wondering how the purple bracelet is working out - I am really thinking hard about all the complaining I hear coming out of my mouth.

Stephanie D said...

I find this even more meaningful today. Thanks for a great post!