We associate gratitude with what has been good or has delighted us. Gratitude practice, however, is broader and deeper than mere thankfulness for what is meaningful or good in our lives. It is a way of being – an inner commitment to thankfulness even when life is difficult or we are facing hardship or struggle.

This section of Continuing CREDO offers an online course on gratitude, a spiritual exercise, and an activity to share with a friend or loved one that will help strengthen your gratitude muscles.

Start this next exercise by watching the video.

At the conference you received a booklet titled “With Measured Steps.” On page 12, you were invited to begin thinking about the people you go to for various kinds of support. You might want to take a few minutes now to review that document and see if there are other categories you’d like to add, or other modifications you’d like to make. As you think about the people in your life who support you on your way, offer a prayer of gratitude for their presence, their love, and their consistent care for you.

Take a few minutes to read the chapter titled “Gratitude” from Strength for the Journey.

Using the Process for Beginning a Spiritual Practice (p. 131), center yourself in God’s presence. Complete (or continue completing) your list of 100 things for which you are grateful.

End the exercise as directed in the Process for Beginning a Spiritual Practice (p. 133).