Find a grateful person and you have found a great treasure. Spend too much time with ungrateful people and you will find yourself in recurring episodes of depression. Ungrateful people are all around us. They are emotionally and physically draining. One of the most devastating personality traits is ingratitude because it leads to bitterness. Both grateful and ungrateful people can be hurt and offended. However, the grateful person will avoid being trapped in the gall of bitterness.

In our home hangs a piece of artwork; an ever present reminder of the importance of gratitude. Here are those words: “A grateful heart sees many blessings.” Everyday at the end of the day Pat and I stop and record in a journal items of gratitude for the day. When you find yourself going bitter, do three things.

First, read and take heed to Hebrews 12:14-15.

Second, consider and reconsider these verses:

• “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
•  “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
• “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)
• “Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.” (Psalm 50:14)
• “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” (Psalm) 100:1-4

Third, stop and record on paper items for which you are grateful. Write down as many items as possible; do not stop with one or two. You will find joy returning to your heart. Remember, gratitude is the best attitude.