Tom Tozer and Bill BlackWe just discovered the book, “Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier” by Dr. Robert Emmons, a Ph.D. in psychology. In it, Emmons describes the importance of gratitude in our lives.
“Gratitude,” he says, “is not simply a form of ‘positive thinking’ or a technique of ‘happy-ology,’ but rather a deep and abiding recognition and acknowledgment that goodness exists under even the worst that life offers.”
It is hard to imagine what life would be without gratitude. Yet we speak and reflect on it very rarely. Why is that? Often, it can seem to be contrary to the sense of independence and self-sufficiency on which we pride ourselves. We men like to think we’re in control, powerful, able to solve any challenge. Won’t adopting an attitude of gratitude make us indebted and weak?
We want our kids to be appreciative — for the work we perform, the home we provide, the guidance we give, the love we share and the protection we provide. As dads, we work hard for the benefit of our families. We’d like a little thanks once in a while, a sense that what we’re doing makes a difference.
Yet so often our kids are oblivious to the sacrifices we make. They move through our lives, benefiting from our hard work, sacrifices, commitment and loyalty while exhibiting little appreciation. Sometimes we feel like ghosts in their lives — unthanked, unappreciated and urecognized.