Ruth Carter Stapleton
I’ve Been Thinking. . . it is the perfect time of the year for me to refine my attitude of gratitude.
I can’t believe that Christmas 2011 is knocking at our door. It has been quite a year of local, national and international roller coaster experiences. Sometimes we might feel like we just want to stop the ride and get off. At other times we enjoy the thrill each day brings despite the discouraging news that invades our lives. We’re all at different stages, perspective, and demands in our lives.
The economic uncertainty, international unrest and political contentiousness have impacted everyone to some degree. The paper, television and internet are loaded with exasperating stories of financial challenge, ravaging devastation, personal ruin and the collapse of governments. Stress and anxiety about the future have penetrated the hearts of millions. In some way, all of our attitudes, emotions, plans for the future and perception of today have been challenged.
And yet, there is reason to celebrate. Christmas is a time for joy, despite the circumstances. Sure, the family celebrations, traditions, decorations and the memories we create are important. But, there is even a greater opportunity to impact and enrich our lives. There is an overriding message in every Christmas moment and it began when God decided to GIVE us the gift of Jesus. That gift alone should prompt our generous spirits and grateful hearts.
Anne Keegan’s article “Blue Christmas” was a collection of Christmas stories told by Chicago police officers. One was the story of George White.
George lived in a rented room at the YMCA. He had one set of clothes, shoes wrapped with rubber bands to keep the soles from flopping, and a threadbare black overcoat. He spent his mornings napping in an old metal chair by the heater in the back of the 18th District office.
Two officers, Kitowski and Mitch, took an interest in the old man, occasionally slipping him a few bucks. They found out that Billy the Greek over at the G & W grill gave him a hot breakfast every morning, no charge.
The two policeman and their families decided to have George as their guest for Christmas dinner. They gave him presents, which he unwrapped carefully.
As they drove him back to the Y, George asked, “Are these presents really mine to keep?” They assured him they were. “Then we must stop at the G & W before I go home,” he said. With that, George began rewrapping his presents.
When they walked into the restaurant, Billy the Greek was there as always. “You been good to me, Billy,” said George. “Now I can be good to you. Merry Christmas.” George gave all his presents away on the spot. Chicago Tribune Magazine (12/24/95)
Generosity is natural when a grateful attitude prevails. It is amplified when we realize our responsibility to give as we have been given. How’s your gratitude aptitude? Consider these penetrating thoughts as we enter the Christmas season.
Attitude of Gratitude
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace... you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with good health you are more fortunate than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle unfolding all around you, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of persecution, harassment, arrest, torture, or death... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
Author Unknown
Don’t let the condition of a fickle world rob you of the incomparable blessing to Give with a grateful and generous heart. Develop, nurture and encourage a life of gratitude and generosity no matter what the circumstances. Even if your situation or condition never changes, your attitude toward them can change -- and this can be life-changing.
Determine to make this Christmas truly special by giving to someone in a way you’ve never done before. Amplify your Gratitude Aptitude by giving of yourself. . .
Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.
Eric Sevareid
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