As We Express our Gratitude-Daily Meditation 11.25.22
Today’s quotation:
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.-John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Today’s Meditation:
I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of hearing someone tell us how grateful they are, even though we could tell all along that their words were less than sincere. Or we’ve heard people express their gratitude only to turn around and act in a way that doesn’t reflect any sort of gratitude at all. A child can tell a parent that he or she is grateful for all that parent has done, and then turn around and act in a way that shows no respect for that parent at all.
Actions do speak louder than words, and I know that the greatest expression of gratitude that I can show in my life is for me to live a life that demonstrates my gratitude in all of my actions. Am I grateful for the teaching that someone has contributed to my life? Then I can put that teaching into practice. Am I grateful for the encouragement that someone has given me? Then I can pass that encouragement on. Do I feel gratitude for someone’s financial help in my life? Then I can help others to the best of my ability in their financial matters.
It’s wonderful to express our gratitude. I know that it gives me a very warm feeling when someone thanks me for something that I’ve done. But is it enough to just offer some words without showing that there’s been some real change in my life? Can it be enough if I’m not willing to live by those words of gratitude? “Thank you” of course denotes gratitude, but these words also imply some sort of the change in my life, and it’s up to me to demonstrate that change in all I do.
Questions to consider:
How can we live by our words of gratitude?
How do you feel when someone thanks you with words, but then commits actions that demonstrate no appreciation?
How can you pass on something that you’re grateful for right now?
For further thought:
Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.-W.J. Cameron
If you missed yesterday’s Daily Meditation you can read it here.
