Gratitude: How would you describe it?

[Anddenex]

I would enjoy others thoughts on how they would describe gratitude. Thank you in advance.

[skalenfehl]

For me, my focus on gratitude is the Savior's atonement; it is my acknowledgment to him in words that I cannot express and sometimes while in prayer, can only express through feelings, thoughts and images. It is more sacred and personal than this, however and only tears express best where words always fail.

[Bensalem]

Originally Posted by Anddenex

I would enjoy others thoughts on how they would describe gratitude. Thank you in advance.

According to my wife and what I learned on my own, gratitude is a big thing in Buddhism. But since they are none committal to the concepts of God and creation, I find their profession of gratitude to be somewhat hollow.

I think gratitude must be directed at something to be of any value; otherwise it is self-serving.

[jayanna]

I think gratitude is acknowledging that every thing you have, you have because the Lord has allowed you to have it. I think it is remembering that we are all unprofitable servants.

[anatess]

Originally Posted by Bensalem

According to my wife and what I learned on my own, gratitude is a big thing in Buddhism. But since they are none committal to the concepts of God and creation, I find their profession of gratitude to be somewhat hollow.

I think gratitude must be directed at something to be of any value; otherwise it is self-serving.

I don't understand why you would think Buddhist gratitude is hollow just because they don't have the same understanding of a Creator as you do. Buddhism is one of the most selfless culture in existence. Nothing about Buddhism is self-serving including their expression of gratitude for being part of a larger tapestry in this thing called life.

Buddhist teachings on gratitude aligns perfectly with Paul's teaching to the Thessalonians - "In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you.". In Buddhism, they are taught to give thanks for everything - the good and the bad - because they believe that each has a grand purpose that eventually leads to joy.

There's a popular Buddhist story about a young man who found a magnificent white horse. All the villagers exclaimed that he is so fortunate to have found this great horse. The man answered, "I'm grateful for the horse". A few days later he got thrown off his horse and broke his leg. The villagers exclaimed that he is so unfortunate for having this happen to him. The man answered, "I'm grateful for the humility." A few days later an army came and took all the able-bodied men and killed them sparing him because he has a broken leg. The villagers exclaimed how fortunate he was for having a broken leg. And the man simply replied, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to live longer and fulfill my purpose".

I believe in this same principle... that God has a purpose for me and that I consecrate all that I am to Him in selfless gratitude for His love and mercy. If I ever have to lose my leg, I am sure I will go through grief but at the same time remain grateful for whatever God has in store for me that I might fulfill my purpose.

[Bensalem]

Originally Posted by anatess

I don't understand why you would think Buddhist gratitude is hollow just because they don't have the same understanding of a Creator as you do. Buddhism is one of the most selfless culture in existence. Nothing about Buddhism is self-serving including their expression of gratitude for being part of a larger tapestry in this thing called life.

Buddhist teachings on gratitude aligns perfectly with Paul's teaching to the Thessalonians - "In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you.". In Buddhism, they are taught to give thanks for everything - the good and the bad - because they believe that each has a grand purpose that eventually leads to joy.

There's a popular Buddhist story about a young man who found a magnificent white horse. All the villagers exclaimed that he is so fortunate to have found this great horse. The man answered, "I'm grateful for the horse". A few days later he got thrown off his horse and broke his leg. The villagers exclaimed that he is so unfortunate for having this happen to him. The man answered, "I'm grateful for the humility." A few days later an army came and took all the able-bodied men and killed them sparing him because he has a broken leg. The villagers exclaimed how fortunate he was for having a broken leg. And the man simply replied, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to live longer and fulfill my purpose".

I believe in this same principle... that God has a purpose for me and that I consecrate all that I am to Him in selfless gratitude for His love and mercy. If I ever have to lose my leg, I am sure I will go through grief but at the same time remain grateful for whatever God has in store for me that I might fulfill my purpose.

Yes, I was too harsh. Thanks for reminding me of the larger tapestry and for proving my error through scripture. All good things come from Christ, and gratitude in all forms is good. I'll have to apologize to my wife too.

I was fortunate to break my leg the first day of summer, 1969. I was in a body cast in front of the TV to witness the lunar landing. I am sure I would have missed it otherwise.

[Vort]

Originally Posted by Bensalem

I was fortunate to break my leg the first day of summer, 1969. I was in a body cast in front of the TV to witness the lunar landing. I am sure I would have missed it otherwise.

A BODY CAST? That's some leg break.

[Bensalem]

Originally Posted by Vort

A BODY CAST? That's some leg break.

It was the femur; broke it in two places. Six weeks in traction and six weeks in the cast.

[Sicily510]

Originally Posted by Anddenex

I would enjoy others thoughts on how they would describe gratitude. Thank you in advance.

Thanks for asking Anddenex.

Gratitude is the sincere love and thanks I can humbly share with others, I'm so very grateful for Jesus Christ's gospel for it really makes me whole. I find everything I do and everthing that surrounds me to be a testament of the truth that Heavenly Father knows I can endureth all things and is allowing me to act upon my trials in my own free will. I feel like he's hopeful that I will return to him as I truly desire to be with him, and that I am so very thankful for. I'm thankful for being able to pray to him when I'm angry or in heartache, I truly feel his love. I feel like a power takes over me spiritually that makes me want to do for others what he does for me. Hosanna to God and the Lamb Jesus Christ!

[Anddenex]

Previously I only asked the question of what people thought gratitude without sharing my thoughts. The purpose is that I wanted to read what others felt it was without having my own words interfere with what a person might say. Now I will share what I believe gratitude is. Before this, however, thank you to those who shared their thoughts on gratitude and how they defined it.

Gratitude, in my minds eyes, is a soul filled with the love of life. Gratitude is not a comparison between the prevailing thoughts of "my life could be worse" or "my life could be better". I am reminded of Elder Eyring's words who said comparisons will either make a person vain or bitter. Thus gratitude is the absence of a comparing mind.

Gratitude is a recognition, a heart felt joy, stemming from an appreciation for what is, and not what ifs. As such a mind or soul filled with gratitude is an absence of a selfish mind, or an absence of entitlement for what a person does now enjoy, or what a person feels they should be enjoying.

Well, I would like to write more, however I have tried a couple more sentences, but due to my weakness in writing, nothing is coming out right.

Thanks again to those who have posted their thoughts.