Understanding true Gratitude

True Gratitude, why is it so difficult for so many of us to be, feel and express gratitude? As children we are naturally concerned about our self since we are ignorant to any such virtues. However by the age of two, parents begin to instruct us growing little wild humans to say "please," and although to them its just a syllable, I definitely know they start understanding that uttering that one syllable, they begin grasping a concept, building a firm foundation and that the more they practice it, the greater their understanding that they'll not only get what they've requested as well as, self-respect and respect from others. Why then do we lose this sense of gratitude ? I have recently heard a fantastic speech in which the speaker spells out that many of us have the ugly spirit of "ENTITLEMENT." He quotes the following: Elder Dallin H. Oaks has warned: "The ancient evil of greed shows its face in the assertion of entitlement: I am entitled to this or that because of who I am—a son or a daughter, a citizen, a victim, or a member of some other group. Entitlement is generally selfish. It demands much, and it gives little or nothing."
He also delineates a very eye-opening list of signs which helps us see ourselves in a brighter light and serves us what to stay away from.

"Like physical pain and swelling, there are warning signs of the spirit of entitlement. And so, we need to search our hearts to see if we find any sign of the spirit of entitlement there. Here are some questions that may help in the search:

1.Are you overly critical of others? Do you look down on others?
2.Is the word “deserve” used frequently in your vocabulary—as in “I deserve” or “I don’t deserve” this or that?
3.Do you care too much about indicators of status and rank?
4.If you are not recognized, or accorded a privilege, or blessed immediately after doing something good —do you hear a voice inside saying “What about me?” or “That is not fair”?
5.Do you ever seek special treatment for yourself? Does it happen often?

The answers to these questions could be early warning signs that the spirit of entitlement is at work. If you or I ever feel these things or hear these things in our minds, we should not be like the little boy with the pitchfork wound in his foot. We should not foolishly wait for the poison to work. We should act in faith in Christ and repent—turn away from the spirit of entitlement and turn to the healing, redeeming power of the Lord." Pres. Kim Clark BYU-IDAHO 2010

Reading and pondering these has helped me to keep a watchful eye on my motives and desires, and repenting more. We all slip on these natural tendencies, nevertheless, we all need to stop having pity parties which we feel we are entitled to! Where do they get us on our path to happiness ? Do we honestly feel better or happier after our self-pitying? Have we found any helpful tip to get us through another inevitable "bad day?" These are questions I ask myself.

I have been taught by life's experiences that looking around and watching the news for 1 week, I can truly put my feet up with a cold glass of lemonade and take in deep breath and sigh "I'm the wealthiest woman on earth!" Choosing to take the time to look around and count our blessings, no matter how cliche that souns, I can vouch for this principle as a saving grace. The same amount it takes us to look up and see the sun, the same time will take us to move our sight downward and see a crack in the sidewalk. Funny but the sun still shines on the crack except where we are standing then our shadow hides the sunlight.

Our ingratitude is a shadow in our hearts, minds and life. Let us move away from our ungrateful ways and welcome in the sunlight by choosing to count our blessings even that of the cracks hardships have made in our life which, if we wish, can allow the sweet sunlight seep through and fill our hearts with warmth, a stronger desire and ability to look up and count our blessings instead of believing we deserve something when we hardly do anything to receive as much as we do.