EDITORIAL | KAIROS GLOBAL | DECEMBER 2023

Author: Dr. Chackochan J Njavallil

Let's be grateful

In life, there are moments when despair takes hold, and you find yourself doubting your success in ministry, your chosen profession, and even life in general. The weight of unmet expectations can cast a shadow over your thoughts, potentially leading to a downward spiral of negative emotions. However, it's essential to recognise that by shifting your perspective and focusing on the positive aspects, the entire scenario can be transformed.

Looking back on 2004, I recall a significant moment in my life when Josun Jose, Joby Cyriac, and I embarked on the creation of a book titled Focused Only on Lord. This book chronicled the activities and experiences of Jesus Youth full-time volunteers. On the acknowledgement page of that book, the first sentence we penned was, ‘Gratitude is the memory of the heart, which finds expression in words.’ It's remarkable how, as I write about gratitude now, those old memories come flooding back.

St Paul's writings remind us that nearly everything we cherish in life is bestowed on us as a free gift from God. The most precious aspects of our existence are essentially gifts, and we offer nothing in return. Air, water, the love of people, the sanctuary of the Church, the grace of sacraments, and the warmth of friendships—all these invaluable treasures in life are freely granted to us.

As the lyrics of a popular song suggest, this lifetime is insufficient to adequately express our thanks and praise to God for these blessings.

One simple yet profound way to infuse happiness into everyone's life is to never take anything for granted but to be genuinely grateful for all that comes your way. In the words of Pope Francis, the simple expression of gratitude, a heartfelt ‘thank you,’ has the power to work miracles in our relationships.

Let's actively contribute to the creation of a culture rooted in gratitude and thankfulness. Let's learn to appreciate not only what we have received but also what we have not, for in this appreciation, we find the key to a richer and more fulfilling life.