Chaplain’s Corner
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
By Allen Goff, AMA Chaplain | www.fcmodelers.com
Joy is not getting what you want but appreciating what you have.
Have you noticed how some things that your parents said to you as a child, both positive and negative, can repeat in your mind for a lifetime?
Mom once said, probably when I was begging to stay at the park longer or get one more thing from the dime store (ever hear of those?), “You are never satisfied; you always want more.”
Mom was frustrated with my persistence, but she was right. Never satisfied was a mantra through most of my life, and joy seemed to be just a win away, or across one more summit on the hike.
This vacation is fantastic, but could we add one more historic attraction or one more coaster ride? Karate is a healthy workout, but maybe a black belt would make it better. Drag racing is a thrill, but a trophy would make it worth doing. Building and flying models is fun, but wouldn’t it be more fun if there was a national championship?
Getting more from your life experiences is not a bad thing, but chasing the next big moment without contentment is a joyless pursuit.
Look around and look past the struggles and bad times. Look at the blessings in your life. We could all make a list longer than our arms of the good things that come our way in life, yet in our pursuit of happiness, it is easy to miss the joy.
Joy bubbles up from down deep when we count our blessings. Being content in our circumstances and being alert to the fact that, even in times of struggle, we are blessed beyond measure. This is the way past happiness to the greater of the two: joy.
Set your goals, work toward the win, the trophy, and the satisfaction of achievement. As you go, remember that joy comes from an attitude of gratitude. Be content in all of your circumstances and grateful for the gifts you have, and joy will be your reward.
