The result of a study published at Davis University, California, has shown that grateful people have higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lower levels of depression and stress. They are aware, and do not deny the negative aspects in their life, but give less importance to material goods and tend less to judge themselves and others by their belongings, are less jealous on others and tend to do more acts of mercy. The same study has proven that faithful people show gratitude and believe more in interpersonal relationships, are more empathetic and open and more involved in their community than the rest of people. 

Gratitude increases personal success

The persons involved in the experiment were invited to keep a record of their level of contentment and the studies have shown a benefit regarding touching personal goals since the subject have shown a faster progress towards achieving personal goals (academic, interpersonal or concerning health). We notice this is another case when modern science has proven what we already knew “of old”. We may find in the Bible numerous time the advice to be grateful. In the Psalm 100:1 we read “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High”. The Holy Apostle Paul has said as well “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

Gratitude is not just the acknowledgement and the thanks given for what we have received but is also a premise for the ones that will follow. Being grateful for what we have makes us become more open, more receptive towards God’s gifts. Saint Isaac the Syrian said that “a grateful heart is the one that guides gifts towards man.”

Gratitude can be learned

Saint Isaac the Syrian taught us that “the mouth that incessantly gives thanks, blessed will be by God; and in the grateful heart grace will flower.” But still, being grateful is not an easy thing. Our fallen nature and our spirit of conservation has taught us to run from pain and the negative aspects of our life, considered “bad” and to seek pleasure and well-being, considered “good”. But pain and trouble will not leave us till we die. Thus, noticing them will make it impossible for us to be grateful. And still, we can learn how to do it. Perseverance in giving thanks for the little things, keeping the record of all the good things that happened to us at least once a week if not daily, these are only some exercises that enhance the acknowledgement of the beautiful life that we have and of the reasons to be happy. The Psalms offer us another example of gratitude by saying: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people” (Psalms 115). Taking part to the Divine Liturgy, partaking with Christ’s Body and Blood, calling His name in prayer, these are the steps of gratitude towards which we are called to acknowledge that our “Lord is good”.

“I still don’t understand God’s providence regarding pain”

Here is an example of a gratitude experiment, made by M., a 33 year old woman. She began keeping a gratitude record from which she chose to share with us some thoughts.

“When I started keeping the record of daily gifts, it was impossible not to thank God when I saw so many little and beautiful things. I am grateful for what I am, for my body that carries me forth and back. When I receive communion I feel that I am grateful to my body, that I give it the medicine it needs, vitamins and peace and cure for its infirmities. I feel gratitude for everybody else, when someone surprises me with an unexpected manifestation of love, for those that treat me well and protect me through their behaviour, for those that pray for me – as it is a sign rare, heavenly love, for those that feel my needs before I tell them, for those that plant in my soul the seed of faith, for those that carry me on their shoulder and on their arms: my spiritual father, my family, friends, strangers that are not disgusted to meet me, the victims of my pride, those who smile to me, children and lovers because they exist.

I am grateful to God because He gave me a family who loves church, beauty, intelligence and a variety of characteristics that kept me alive to the present moment, because He gave us the hope of salvation, because He loves me, because He surprisingly fulfils my deepest wishes, that nobody else knows, because I said I wish and He did the rest, because I can receive communion.

However, there are moments when I forget to be grateful. There were moments in the past, and there are in the present as well, when I sabotage myself with various thoughts and I am unable to see God’s work, thinking there is nothing to be grateful for because my wishes did not come true. Or there are moments when bad things that hurt me happen… and I am depressed. During hard times I am not grateful, I still don’t understand God’s providence regarding pain, because of my wounds, of lack of faith and despair.