Let Us Be Grateful

Posted January 1, 2024

If God’s love for man is another way of describing His grace, what prevents us from responding to His love? The grea­test impediment to responding to His love and making use of His grace, it appears to me, is our ingratitude. How soon do we forget the helping hand of God! He hears our prayer, responds with grace, and saves us from a very difficult situation. We thank Him. That’s the end of our using His grace! We do not remember His kindness, His love, His concern for us and want Him to prove it again and again. But when God wants us to prove our loyalty to Him and faith, we grumble and complain!

God does not mind that. But we are the losers. Even though He allows us to share His power when we need it most, because of our lack of pro­per communication with Him, of faith and love, we fall to grasp the moment and make best use of it. Even if we use a particular moment of revelation, we fail to sustain it. Thus, while we grumble, grunt, whimper, curse, He only turns His sad face away, regretting: “Dear one, when will you learn gratitude?” Thus, the magnificence of life turns into a living misery because we are too blind to see, too weak to hold on, and too ungrateful to love—and all this is not because God has denied us anything; we have denied ourselves that which has come to our door­step.

It may seem that I write as if I know everything about grace! God forgive my impertinence if I think so! I do not know how God’s grace works in my life. But should I not know when He works? I may not know how His grace functions in our lives; but I must be able to recognize it when it functions and when I see God’s hand shaping my life, my thoughts and deeds, re‑arranging and re‑ordering things around me favorably, saving me from critical situations and awarding me more than my efforts. I should then be filled with humility and reverence, not compla­cence and self‑esteem. I should not feel that God gives me special attention be­cause I deserve it and I am better than all the others to whom apparently He denies these favors! That is the most dangerous thought. It cuts the life‑line between me and God. I thoroughly miss the meaning of that God‑touch, and by fostering ego, build a wall that blocks out further grace!

Recognizing grace

That means, I am pleading here for a very important thing, recognizing and then preserving grace. Grace need not necessarily be a downpour. It may con­sist in the simplest incidents of our life. A letter received in time; a bus in time to the place of my work; a little headache that holds me from attending a party; a passage in a book, and so on and on are God’s self‑announcements. Silently does He come to us to give us a silent, unmixed, and very personal joy because He person­ally cares for us.

A very valid question may be asked at this moment. How do I know my getting a certain letter and meeting a certain friend on a certain day is grace, not chance? Likewise, all the daily incidents that fill my interminable days and nights might be pure chances, mere coincidences. Why should God be credited with showing His special care for me, while all this may be just natural? I cannot refute you; just as you cannot prove yourself. But let us not leave it there for the individuals to take it as they like. Could we judge this, look at this from a different angle, and see whether that is acceptable to us?

Granting that these incidents are revelations of God’s grace, what happens to me? I am profoundly grateful to God; I realize He is always with me and takes care of me in all ways. My worries are reduced; my understanding becomes deeper; I am cooler and more collected in my activities—in which state my intelli­gence, discrimination, efficiency are more effective and manifest. Above all my days become an endless song and nights an endless dream. On the other hand, if I explain them away as chances, coinciden­ces, or accidents, I see no nobility and meaning in the business of living. I vege­tate like a tree and life becomes a confus­ed lyre. I learn no humility, no rever­ence, am full of doubts and divisions, whimper, shout, avenge, and die. I esta­blish no contact with God, the fountain­ source of all beneficence; become a bitter man with the iron in my soul. My days are filled with dark shadows, and nights with nightmares. Which is better?

Proof of grace

The first section of people makes the natural supernatural; the second section treat the supernatural as natural. If a blooming rose early in the morning doesn’t give us a touch of the supernatural, of the miracle, of the grace of God, I wonder whether we can see any other revelation of God’s grace in the right spirit. If the smile of a baby, the love of a friend, the concern of a mother, the devotion of a brother, and the faith of your boss are only ‘natural’ and nothing else, I do not know how God can convince me of His love. The most natural is the most wonderfully supernatural, for God’s will is reflected in it.

With this awareness, a simple act like eating your lunch can become excit­ing and an occasion to remember God, thank God, and love God. That is super­natural. Grace need not transcend the natural laws always. It can operate and most often does operate within the natu­ral laws. That does not take out of it its essential qualities. Moreover, how much of the so‑called ‘natural’ do we claim to understand? Are we able to have a very rational and related explanation of all that happens to us? Then why fret about `natural’, `chance’, and `coincidence’? If we perceive how they come to us and make life a challenge, we may see the supernatural in the natural; we can see God’s glorious hand even in a flower and a letter. Then we shall sing with Shelley “Our sincerest laughter with some pain is fraught”; and “I fill upon the thorns of life, I bleed”! We will probably join the Upanishadic Rishi and sing, “I will live for a hundred autumns, I will hear (noble songs) for a hundred autumns”, etc.

Man is a spark of the immortal light in a speck of dust. There is always close correspondence between the mortal and the immortal. When the mortal perceives it, it is dyed immediately with the color of the immortal. If it does not perceive that, the immortality as well never exists. Divine grace and human effort are only two sides of the same coin, the front and the rear wheels of a car. They are not independent of, separate from, each other.

~Bejoy K. Misra, Prasanthi Nilayam
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Feb 1985

Let Us Be Grateful

Gratitude is one of the noblest virtues that a human being can cultivate. It opens the heart, purifies the mind, and strengthens our connection with the Divine. In today’s fast-paced world, people often focus on what they lack rather than appreciating the countless blessings already present in their lives. The message of Let Us Be Grateful reminds us that true happiness begins when we recognize and cherish every gift bestowed upon us by God.

Every day we receive innumerable blessings. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the love of our family, and the opportunity to serve others are all expressions of divine grace. Yet, many times these gifts are taken for granted. The practice of Let Us Be Grateful encourages us to pause and acknowledge the unseen hand that guides and protects us through every circumstance.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba often emphasized that gratitude is the hallmark of a noble character. A grateful person does not complain about difficulties but views them as opportunities for growth. Challenges and hardships may seem painful at first, but they often teach valuable lessons that strengthen faith and wisdom. When we embrace the principle of Let Us Be Grateful, we begin to understand that every experience has a divine purpose.

The scriptures of India repeatedly highlight the importance of thankfulness. Whether it is the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, or the lives of great saints, gratitude is portrayed as a path to spiritual progress. A thankful heart naturally develops humility, devotion, and compassion. These qualities help individuals rise above selfishness and cultivate a deeper relationship with God. Through the wisdom shared by Devotional India, seekers are continually inspired to adopt such uplifting values in their daily lives.

One of the simplest ways to express gratitude is through prayer. A sincere prayer does not always ask for something; it often thanks God for everything already received. Such prayers create inner peace and contentment. The practice of Let Us Be Grateful teaches that gratitude itself can become a form of worship. When every action is performed with a thankful attitude, life transforms into a sacred offering.

Gratitude also strengthens human relationships. When we appreciate the efforts and kindness of others, mutual respect and affection grow naturally. A simple word of thanks can brighten someone’s day and foster harmony. Families that cultivate appreciation experience greater unity and understanding. In society, gratitude promotes cooperation and goodwill. This timeless lesson of Let Us Be Grateful extends beyond spirituality and positively influences every aspect of life.

Another important aspect of gratitude is recognizing the value of service. Many people dedicate their time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return. Teachers, parents, doctors, volunteers, and countless unsung heroes contribute to the welfare of society. Acknowledging their efforts nurtures humility and compassion within us. As emphasized through the spiritual teachings featured on Devotional India, serving humanity is one of the highest expressions of devotion to God.

Nature itself inspires gratitude. The beauty of a sunrise, the refreshing rain, the mountains, rivers, and forests all reflect divine creativity. When we observe nature with awareness, we realize how generously God has provided for humanity. Respecting and protecting the environment becomes a natural outcome of gratitude. The message of Let Us Be Grateful encourages us to value these precious gifts and use them responsibly.

Gratitude is especially important during difficult times. It is easy to be thankful when everything goes well, but true spiritual maturity is revealed when we remain grateful even amid challenges. Such gratitude arises from faith that God knows what is best for us. By trusting the divine plan, fear and anxiety gradually give way to peace and confidence. The practice of Let Us Be Grateful helps us develop this unwavering trust.

A grateful mind is also free from jealousy and dissatisfaction. Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we learn to appreciate our unique journey. Contentment blossoms when we focus on blessings rather than shortcomings. This inner contentment leads to lasting joy, which cannot be shaken by external circumstances. Through the inspiring content available on Devotional India, devotees are reminded that gratitude is a powerful key to spiritual fulfillment.

Ultimately, gratitude brings us closer to God. It transforms ordinary moments into sacred experiences and fills life with meaning and purpose. Every breath becomes a reminder of divine grace, and every opportunity becomes a chance to express love and devotion. The message of Let Us Be Grateful is not merely a noble idea but a practical way of living that enriches both the individual and society.

Let us therefore cultivate a thankful heart each day. Let us appreciate our blessings, value our relationships, serve others selflessly, and trust in God’s wisdom. By embracing the spirit of Let Us Be Grateful, we can experience greater peace, joy, and spiritual growth while walking steadily on the path toward the Divine.