Let life’s bounty cause you to whisper thanks with each breath.
Gratitude is about expressing thanks and appreciation for all that happens and is given in life: planned or unplanned. Gratitude out of whack can manifest itself in two ways. Either we placate or puff up unnecessarily those who have given to us, or we fail to demonstrate gratefulness in any capacity. Gratitude in check is when we respond appropriately with thanks for the gifts and benefits we receive and do so in the proper capacity.
Think of some positive aspects of your life today and express your gratitude and appreciation.
Send a card to someone you know and express your gratitude and appreciation.
Express your gratitude to a stranger who is serving you in some capacity today.
After every meal this week, say a prayer of gratitude. This can either be a traditional blessing from the siddur or perhaps a heartfelt spontaneous prayer.
Meditation
Daily Questions
What were the seeds that started to erode your gratitude today?
Did you take time to express gratitude to those around you for who they are and what they do?
Did you take time to notice the bounty in your life and express your gratitude through words or actions?
Were you able to take an unpleasant situation and see the lesson in it?
Did someone do something for you and it was difficult to be grateful? Why?
After you ate your meals today did you take time to thank Hashem for the food?
Did you thank anyone above and beyond what was necessary?
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Quotables
The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. -- Tehillim 118:24
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows. -- James 1:17
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. -- Lamentations 3:23
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise You forever. -- Tehillim 30:11-12
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. -- Romans 8:28
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. -- Mishlei 13:12
At midnight I rise to give You thanks for your righteous laws. -- Tehillim 119.62
I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise Your name, and the upright will live in your presence. --Tehillim 140:12-13
So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them? -- Kohelet 3:22
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will… -- I Thessalonians 5:18
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. -- Ephesians 1:16
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -- Philippians 4.6
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. -- Devarim 8:10