Originally published at Ignatian Spirituality
We say, “Thank you,” without much thought when someone sends a birthday card, offers a ride, or recommends a professional contact. It’s the socially prescribed thing to do, and we don’t necessarily think any more about it. We take both the kindness and the response for granted.
It’s all too easy to take God’s gifts for granted and express perfunctory thanks in the same way, if at all. We forget that God has given us everything: our talents and gifts, all our possessions, the good people in our lives, and our very existence. God’s goodness is infinitely greater than any thanks we might express.
One way around this taking for granted is to develop a habit of gratitude. By making it a practice to be aware of and thank God for all the little things in our lives, we can come to appreciate the magnitude of God’s goodness. Here are a few examples of how to nurture such a habit.
First thing in the morning, perhaps even before getting out of bed, pray: Thank you for the gift of this day.
At breakfast (and all meals) forego the rote “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts…” and instead thank
