The Path to Gratitude

I know that November is traditionally the "season of gratitude," but I came across a quote I clipped from a magazine in 2000 and thought it was beautiful for the Christmas season. "Gratitude comes easily when our lives are in order--when the bills are paid, the children are behaving, our health is good. But our challenges are what bring the chance for transformation. And it is during our deepest pain that we can be most grateful, because we know our hardship will deliver a lesson that refines our character." Let us give thanks this Christmas season not only for what we have but also for what we have escaped. When things get hard this coming year, let's ask ourselves, "What is the lesson for me in this?" And when we can give thanks in the midst of trial, we will know that we are becoming our finest.