Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks

Diana Butler Bass confesses that, at one time, she was a "gratitude klutz." Her mother urged her to write thank you cards for birthday and holiday gifts. The author admits, "I was not good at it. I did not want to do it, and I did not know what to say." Although, she insists, "The concept of gratitude captivated me," Butler Bass did not initially succeed in implementing such initiatives as keeping a gratitude journal, creating a family ritual of giving thanks at bedtime, and conducting the "Thanksgiving dinner exercise in which no one eats until everyone at the table says something they are thankful for." This turned out to be more of "a turkey hostage situation than a spiritual exercise in grace."

Now that she has a broader perspective show more on the subject, Ms. Butler Bass shares her thoughts in "Grateful: the Transformative Power of Giving Thanks." In this inspiring work of non-fiction, the author explores the philosophical, spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of thankfulness. Obviously, we cannot compel anyone to appreciate his or her blessings, but we can encourage people to recognize that gratitude confers benefits on the individual, community, society, and nation as a whole. "Gratitude strengthens our character and moral resolve, giving each of us the possibility of living peaceably and justly,” Butler Bass believes.

Although the author is a practicing Christian, this book is not geared to those who adhere to a particular belief system. Anyone can benefit from learning more about the meaning of gratitude, its history, types of gratitude, and how we express thanks. Using pertinent and poignant anecdotes, Butler Bass shows the ways in which gratitude can enhance our existence. Why should we take the time to tell a neighbor how much we appreciate their kindness? Give thanks for the gifts of life, health, and family? Or express gratitude for a lovely tree blossoming in the spring, a multi-colored sunset, or a star-studded sky? Gratitude moves us to see the big picture instead of becoming bogged down in the minutiae of everyday life. When practiced collectively, gratitude connects people in a positive manner. Especially during today's turbulent times, it is useful to be reminded that being grateful--not just for material possessions, but also for the intangible blessings that enrich our lives immeasurably--can make our world a much more nurturing and hospitable place. show less

Diana Butler Bass confesses that, at one time, she was a "gratitude klutz." Her mother urged her to write thank you cards for birthday and holiday gifts. The author admits, "I was not good at it. I did not want to do it, and I did not know what to say." Although, she insists, "The concept of gratitude captivated me," Butler Bass did not initially succeed in implementing such initiatives as keeping a gratitude journal, creating a family ritual of giving thanks at bedtime, and conducting the "Thanksgiving dinner exercise in which no one eats until everyone at the table says something they are thankful for." This turned out to be more of "a turkey hostage situation than a spiritual exercise in grace."

Now that she has a broader perspective show more on the subject, Ms. Butler Bass shares her thoughts in "Grateful: the Transformative Power of Giving Thanks." In this inspiring work of non-fiction, the author explores the philosophical, spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of thankfulness. Obviously, we cannot compel anyone to appreciate his or her blessings, but we can encourage people to recognize that gratitude confers benefits on the individual, community, society, and nation as a whole. "Gratitude strengthens our character and moral resolve, giving each of us the possibility of living peaceably and justly,” Butler Bass believes.

Although the author is a practicing Christian, this book is not geared to those who adhere to a particular belief system. Anyone can benefit from learning more about the meaning of gratitude, its history, types of gratitude, and how we express thanks. Using pertinent and poignant anecdotes, Butler Bass shows the ways in which gratitude can enhance our existence. Why should we take the time to tell a neighbor how much we appreciate their kindness? Give thanks for the gifts of life, health, and family? Or express gratitude for a lovely tree blossoming in the spring, a multi-colored sunset, or a star-studded sky? Gratitude moves us to see the big picture instead of becoming bogged down in the minutiae of everyday life. When practiced collectively, gratitude connects people in a positive manner. Especially during today's turbulent times, it is useful to be reminded that being grateful--not just for material possessions, but also for the intangible blessings that enrich our lives immeasurably--can make our world a much more nurturing and hospitable place. show less

I spent several Novembers being purposefully grateful, I thought--every day identifying something I was grateful for and blogging about it. This November I read this book and realized I was missing so much of what gratitude really means. This book is deceptively dense and begs for multiple readings. I plan on making this my new November tradition--rereading this book.

This book was a disappointment and I just couldn't finish it. I was expecting something different based on the author's background and the book jacket blurb. Yes, it focuses on gratefulness with both a historic and contemporary understanding of this concept. And the author, who identifies herself as a Christian, includes results of the extensive research she undertook on the topic. What I really didn't like was her skewed theology. In the second chapter she took several basic Bible verses and uniquely, in an unbiblical way, interpreted them to fit her book's thesis. As she calls herself a Christian, I wasn't expecting an alternative, reduced perspective. If you want to read a contemporary book about gratitude from a Christian writer, show more read Help, Thanks, Wow or Small Victories by Anne Lamott. show less

For my full, non-spoiler review: https://christianlovingbooks.blogspot.com/2018/11/grateful-review.html