Monday, December 27, 2010

The Joy of Receiving a Gift

So much truth here below. I unfortunately witnessed some lack of gratitude these past few days and it was pretty painful. We must be good examples.

I pray that you are at peace with Christ this beautiful season.

...

By Randy Traeger
Head Football Coach Mt Angel Oregon Kennedy HS
Speaker at 2010 and 2011 Character Building Clinics

Friends,
In this season of gift giving we need to focus on doing a better job of being thankful for the gifts we are given.  Our overabundance often causes ingratitude.  We don't do it intentionally, but never the less, the effects are the same. We receive a gift and then smugly issue an obligatory "Thanks", or even worse, say nothing at all.

Philosophers as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans cited gratitude as an indispensable human virtue, but social scientists are just beginning to study how it develops and the effects it can have. Recent research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being. Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not. They're also less likely to be depressed, envious, greedy or alcoholics. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly and have greater resistance to viral infections.

The attached photo is one of my favorites. The photo depicts a World War II era child receiving a new pair of shoes from the American Red Cross. The expression on is face is priceless. Check out the shoes he is wearing.  I have purchased dozens of high priced Nike shoes for my children and I have never seen an expression of such gratitude on any of their faces!

This year, lets give a heartfelt thanks, a big hug, and show some real "JOY" when we are receiving gifts from friends and relatives.

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