For what shall I be grateful

For what shall I be grateful today? For a pre-teen who always wakes up with a smile, rather than in teenage ire? In gratitude for a happy, healthy child, the ritual is a hug to start the day.

Shall I be grateful for a husband who realizes how hard it is for a morning glory to live with a night owl, and tries hard not disturb my sleep? In gratitude for consideration, the ritual is bringing his coffee to him in the morning.

Shall I be grateful for the nosy relative who asks too many personal questions, but passing by on her way to work will close the trunk left open, or put the puppy back in the yard. In gratitude I'll share a new book, or more importantly to her, a snippet of news about the family to make her feel included.

Rituals do not have to be elaborate or grand or even ritualistic. They are consistent, and in the case of gratitude, caring, expressions that acknowledge and appreciate. They are meaningful in what ever way meaning is imparted from the giver of gratitude and understood by the receiver.