Gratitude Is Not Only The Greatest of Virtues But The Parent of Others

Religion has always been a big part of my life; I try to go to church as much as I can, I pray, and I think most of all, I believe in something that I know is bigger than me. And during these past weeks, I feel like I have become more devoted if you will. I don't try to ask God to solve all my problems because, well, I think He has more important things to do, but I do ask for guidance, patience and wisdom. I ask that He shows me what this all means and how I should move forward, that He gives me patience to tolerate others, to understand others and I thank Him for all He has done for me. But I also know that it is up to me to make it all happen; it is up to me to take whatever guidance I receive and use it wisely. As a good Catholic, I normally will try to pray the Rosary, or my prayer to Saint Jude, which I got from my Grandfather, but not long ago someone gave me this prayer from the Book of Psalms, Psalm 40. It really touches on gratitude and everything we ask for when we go through something tough, when life is unfair to us you could say. Here it is...

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,

who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done.

The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;

were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,

but my ears you have pierced;

burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.

Then I said, "Here I am, I have come-- it is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;

I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;

I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.

I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.

Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;

may your love and your truth always protect me.

For troubles without number surround me;

my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.

They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.

Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;

O LORD, come quickly to help me.

May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion;

may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.

May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame.

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;

may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"

Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me.

You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

I'm not going to try and analyze this, because who am I to try to do that. But I will tell you what I got out of it. It is amazing how after you read this a few times you really see two sides to this prayer. First off it is gratitude, a gratitude for everything that has been done for us, everything God sacrificed for us. But then it turns into a prayer for help, asking God to help us in these hard times, putting ourselves out there, as if we can't do this alone. And I agree; to be honest I don't think I would be where I am today if it wasn't for my faith and everything that encompasses it. I think that is what has kept me going, and most of all, what has kept me believing, even until today, that in the end, it'll all be OK. Trust me, and I know I have said it many times, it is very hard to accept something like that, but you do, because you believe that God has a plan for you. I do believe that, and I need to be patient. Whatever needs to happen will happen, I know there will be bumps in the road, maybe even road blocks. But in the end, we need to be ready for whatever life brings us. Always be grateful for everything you have, thank God and thank all your family and friends for everything they have given you. Be thankful for what you have and you'll end up with more. If you only focus on what you don't have, you'll never have enough.