I recently discovered several studies from Neal Krause, University of Michigan, which I found to be very interesting. So, you may find that I am going to blog about several of them in the coming months. The purpose of this particular study, (http://generosityresearch.nd.edu/assets/13605/gratitude_toward_god.pdf_) was to see if feeling grateful to God reduces the deleterious effects of stress on health in late life. One result of Mr. Krause’s research determined that the effects of stress on health are reduced for older people who feel more grateful to God. While I am sure neither age nor gender has anything to do with it, I have to say that I agree that gratitude to God does indeed affect one’s health.
When I first started attending the Christian Science church, I heard the word ‘gratitude’ used all the time, especially at Wednesday evening testimony meetings. For me, that word was new. I was used to saying I was thankful for my blessings, but that word ‘gratitude’ was a new expression of being thankful. Gratitude seemed to be a deeper feeling than just being thankful. And, many people referred to being grateful to God. Wow! Not just grateful for things but grateful to God. Now, I am not saying that I am not grateful for my many blessings because I truly am. Last week was my birthday. Many friends and family gave me gifts. I was really grateful for all the gifts and I am enjoying them so much. However, most of all, I am grateful for the giver of the gift and the love and hugs I get from them year-round. That is giving priority to the giver and not the gift. This is what we do when we give gratitude to God for all. In thinking about this now, after reading Mr. Krause’s study, I would like to elaborate about gratitude in a spiritual way….. Continue reading
