Last week we suggested that gratitude is not a response to something positive, but rather a constant mindset and feeling of gratefulness for all the gifts of life, even those that are less obvious.

Here is another thought to consider:
Gratitude is a verb, not a noun.

Feeling gratitude is insufficient. Emotions and feelings come and go, unless sufficient effort is invested to ensure their consistency and longevity. Gratitude is no different. For the feeling of gratitude to be sustained it needs to be expressed in verbal communication and tangible action.

In ancient Israel, each year the farmer was required to bring "Bikkurim" (the first fruit) to the Temple. He would transport a basket of the fruit all the way to Jerusalem and give it to the Kohen (priest) after reciting a paragraph of gratitude. Just feeling thankful for the blessings of the land was not enough. The appreciation had to be expressed in a formal declaration and a tangible gift.

We should not just feel grateful - we should practice gratitude.

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