Do You Have an Attitude of Gratitude?

Do you have an attitude of gratitude? I've been repeating the phrase 'attitude of gratitude' for the past several days, because after hearing it, the rhyme stuck with me, as did the idea, especially during this Thanksgiving week.

I was tutoring my dear scholar at a local school, as I do each week, in the same room where several teachers were planning the next day's field trip. They were discussing the schedule, reminding each other to wear old clothes for hiking through a cave, assigning students to busses, etc., when one of them shared that a student had asked what type of bus they would be riding on the field trip. She said she responded by holding up the receipt detailing the cost of the trip, telling the students they should adopt an 'attitude of gratitude' for having the opportunity to take this trip, at no cost to them, and not be disappointed that they were taking school buses and not coach buses. She was perceptibly annoyed that the students were allowing their want for more to overshadow their gratitude for what they were being given.

"Comparison is lethal to contentment" is a quote I keep on my desk to remind me that if I consider the gifts I have been given relative to what I have not been given, I will not be content. I find this to be absolutely true. However, when I cherish my life, as it is, I am content, and I am grateful. Using my gifts to bring goodness to the world brings joy to myself and to others, which brings more gratitude. It is a remarkable circle of wonderfulness.

This Thanksgiving, and always, adopt an 'attitude of gratitude' and watch the joy scatter more joy.