Harington Boarding Chapel Service, 7 February 2010
Sermon: Ashley Fraser
Theme: Gratitude
Gratitude, defined in the dictionary as “Noun: the quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation for, and to return kindness.”
There are two types of people in this world: those whose glasses are half full and those whose glasses are half empty. The chance of either is 50/50 but depending on which way you look at it, you are either thankful for what you do have or ungrateful for what you don’t. At some point in our lives, we experience both types of glass, whether it be that you are jealous of your friend’s car, or thankful for your bike.
Appreciation, preparation, consideration, cultivation, thankfulness.
Appreciate the smallest thing, whether a smile, a card, a lovely view, a fragrance in passing a creature.
Take care with the rituals of your life, with the preparation of food, making your bed, bathing, dressing, phone calls to your friends or family.
Consider carefully the effects on other people of all your actions, words and thoughts – everything eventually comes back, often multiplied.
Cultivate an understanding of other cultures and viewpoints even when, especially when it's difficult to put yourself in their place.
Be thankful every meal for every glass of fresh water, every comfort in your home, because not everyone has the same opportunities we do. The things we most often take for granted would come as a blessing to other people. Being thankful doesn’t take much more than a simple nod in appreciation or stopping to take in your surroundings.
The following is a story that shows the power Gratitude can have in changing people’s perspective:
“Yesterday, I got up at 5am and spent a long day in various meetings and stressful situations. At 5pm I was exhausted and not looking forward to the hour long drive home. Then it occurred to me to shift my focus from the fatigue and the stress to GRATITUDE. I began to thank God out loud for all the blessings I had in my life. Over and over again I worked with the power of the Holy Spirit by giving thanks for the gifts of life. My thoughts turned to all that I am grateful for: the opportunities to be of service through my work, my friends and family, my health, my car, the sun, the clouds, trees, grass, music, love, colours – the list was infinite! Within a few minutes I felt energized and happy. My long drive became a joyous opportunity to give and receive the blessings of love and light. The fatigue disappeared. I arrived home feeling renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The gift of energy and joy that I received from this exercise lasted all evening!”
I am not asking you to go to extremes, but simply to take a moment to reflect on all you do have, to be thankful for those in your life and the opportunities you have. I’m asking you to make a small step forward. I'm asking you: Is your glass half full or half empty?
Poem
Author: Emma McCallum
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something,
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times;
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes:
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you are tired and weary,
Because it means you have made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.