There are certain summers that stick with you—not because everything went smoothly, but because life had a way of handing you exactly the lessons you needed. My internship in the state of Washington, the summer of 1980, was one of those. Back then, I was a junior at Iowa State, trying to line up all the things I thought would guarantee a good job after graduation: solid grades, some campus involvement, and most importantly, that golden ticket on any engineering résumé—an internship in your field. So I spent the spring sending out application after application, collecting a thick stack of rejection letters in return. It became routine enough that some days I’d find myself laughing at how efficiently companies could say “No thanks.” My dorm room wall was full of “flush letters” and I treated it like it was a badge of honor.
Creating Your Beautiful Life
Gratitude
Creating Your Beautiful Life
Gratitude
Gratitude is often heralded as a simple yet profound practice that can transform our lives, bringing joy and contentment even in the midst of life’s trials. However, in the hustle and bustle of daily living, it can sometimes feel like an elusive ideal. The demands of work, family, and the myriad of responsibilities we juggle can make it difficult to pause and appreciate the blessings we have. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that cultivating gratitude can be most powerful.
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is not just about saying “thank you”; it’s a deeper recognition of the goodness in our lives and an appreciation for what we often take for granted. As Sarah Ban Breathnach writes in her book “Simple Abundance,” “Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”
The Bible also offers profound insights on gratitude. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are encouraged to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This passage underscores that gratitude should be a constant practice, not just reserved for moments of joy and abundance, but also in times of hardship and scarcity.
The Challenges of Practicing Gratitude
While the benefits of gratitude are well-documented, implementing it in our daily lives can be challenging. The pressures of modern life—work deadlines, financial worries, health issues, and social obligations—can cloud our perspective, making it difficult to focus on the positives. When we are overwhelmed by stress, the notion of feeling grateful can seem almost impossible.
Take, for example, the common experience of a busy workday. With endless emails, meetings, and projects demanding our attention, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity. By the time we get home, we are often too exhausted to reflect on our day, let alone find something to be thankful for. Yet, it is in these moments of exhaustion and overwhelm that gratitude can serve as a balm for our weary souls.
Finding Gratitude in the Midst of Stress
How can we find gratitude when life feels overwhelming? Here are some practical steps to help cultivate a grateful heart even in challenging times:
1. Pause and Reflect: Take a few moments each day to pause and reflect on what you are grateful for. This can be as simple as appreciating a beautiful sunrise, a kind word from a colleague, or the comfort of your home. Setting aside time for reflection can help shift your focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in your life.
2. Keep a Gratitude Journal: Writing down what you are thankful for can be a powerful practice. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just jotting down three things you’re grateful for each day can help reinforce a positive mindset. Over time, you may find that this habit helps you notice and appreciate more of the good things in your life.
3. Express Gratitude to Others: Take the time to thank the people in your life who have made a positive impact. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a verbal acknowledgment, or a small gesture of appreciation, expressing gratitude can strengthen relationships and spread positivity.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices can help you stay present and aware of the moment, making it easier to recognize and appreciate the good around you. Consider incorporating meditation or deep-breathing exercises into your daily routine to help calm your mind and open your heart to gratitude.
5. Find the Silver Lining: Even in difficult situations, try to find something positive. This doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges, but rather seeking out the lessons or opportunities for growth that they present. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “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.”
Inspirational Quotes on Gratitude
Sometimes, a few words of wisdom can provide the encouragement we need to embrace gratitude. Here are some inspirational quotes to uplift and inspire:
• “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous
• “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” – Cicero
• “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Conclusion
While practicing gratitude amidst life’s challenges is not always easy, it is a pursuit worth undertaking. By consciously choosing to focus on the positives, we can cultivate a sense of peace and contentment that transcends our circumstances. As we embrace gratitude, we open our hearts to the abundance of life, finding joy in the simple, everyday moments that make life truly rich.
Leave a Comment 👋
Leave a Comment 👋
Leave a Comment 👋
Leave a Comment 👋
The Internship That Changed Everything
Long Lake Summers
There are seasons in life you don’t see coming—chapters that don’t announce themselves with fanfare, yet settle so deeply into your memory that years later you can still smell the lake water, feel the pull of the tow rope, and hear the hum of a boat engine echoing across a still summer evening. For me, one of those chapters began the moment I graduated from Iowa State in May of 1981 and took my first real job at 3M. I was barely 22, carrying that mix of confidence and cluelessness that only a new graduate can pull off, and ready to step into the adult world.
Hero of the Beach
When I think back to my childhood— maybe around nine years old—there’s a very specific smell, a very specific feeling, that comes rushing back: the scent of ink and old paper from a stack of Marvel comic books. It’s funny how memory works. I can’t remember what I ate last Tuesday, but I can still picture—clear as day—the cover of The Amazing Spider-Man #56 with the Daily Bugle headlines screaming "Spidey joins Doc Ock" sitting on the floor of my bedroom, or the way the corner store rack looked when I spun it, hoping for a new issue of anything with the red-and-blue web-slinger on the front.