There is much research to support that people who are grateful are happier, healthier, and certainly more easy to be around. If that is true, and I think it is, then I have to say I am most grateful for my faith and my family.
It's pretty obvious why anyone would be grateful for his/her family. Family gives you an important reason to live, and to live generously. Family, in most cases, is our first introduction to love, and makes it easier to understand a loving relationship with God.
Now, faith is really quite different in many ways − it gives hope and a peace that "surpasses all understanding." And here is what it does especially for me:
- Dying isn't as much of an issue anymore. I know where I'm going, and I'm pretty confident in that. It's not because I'm such a great person or do good things (I also do and say some things I wish I didn't), but the confidence comes via grace.
- I don't worry about things on my bucket list I might not get to do. I know that there are things I will still get to do in the afterlife, and they will be so much better.
- I believe I will be with loved ones again, and the ones I currently love on earth will be there too.
- Faith gives me a grateful heart to appreciate my many blessings, and I am an optimist because of it.
- With optimism, God let's me focus on what I can do and not what I can't. He gives me (and all of us) an opportunity to make this world a better place.
- I try to remember my purpose on earth is to care for my fellowman. If I can honor that and make someone's day (or even life) a little better, then I've served my purpose.
- I don't care if I'm famous or leave some lasting legacy with my name attached to it. I'd just love to know that I somehow made this world a little better because I lived.
- I'm not focused on possessions as much as I am experiences, and doing something else with my resources to make things better for others.
- I realize that I'm not the one in charge. I don't decide the outcome on everything, and that makes me very happy. I'd hate to be the one who decides the fate of others, or selfishly makes decisions that benefit only me or those close to me. If I did have that power, I would probably ignore the needs of the rest of the world. Trusting in God's will, rather than mine, gives me peace knowing that good is at work. I don't always agree with what God allows, but I have to trust that He knows best for the world, and ultimately for me.
- Lastly, faith has made me a better person. Trying my best to follow Jesus' teachings has given me a good road to follow. I don't always succeed, but when I fail, I know that at least God understands and still loves who I am.
