Let’s say a man was down on his luck in his early years, but there were folks in town who let him stay with them, with free rent and board, to help him out. He eventually left town and years later became very wealthy. When he returns home for a week on business, he runs into the people who helped him in his youth. If they invite him to spend some time with them, it wouldn’t be right for him to refuse, as it could hurt their feelings. If they were good enough for him when he was poor, that attitude shouldn’t change because he was now rich.

Just as it is good for you to help someone in need, it is just as good for you to show gratitude to those who aided you. After all, you wouldn’t be where you are today if not for the support of others. Your station in life has nothing to do with who you, or others, are. Your soul is no better or worse than any other, regardless of your physical or material condition.

When you overcome a trial or tribulation you feel exhilaration. You get the same feeling when you receive a wonderful gift. Those situations are one and the same to your soul, as they give it the gift of vitality.

When you fail at something, a gift has fallen through your hands. So when great trouble or suffering faces you, realize you are being offered a present from the Almighty. You will have more spiritual energy to surmount it, and your prize is less likely to slip away.

Most animate life has an instinct to protect it’s young. Yet we can find grandparents loving and caring for their grandchildren, and grandchildren honoring their grandparents. This is a sign of our special spirituality. Only humanity has the capability to respect our history, unlike the rest of the animal kingdom.

Honor your lineage and you will find honor in yourself.

Thank you. Say it often because you should be grateful for the things in your life.

Be thankful when you have money. You can delight in the material things the world has to offer.

Be thankful when you don’t have much money. You can feel satisfaction knowing you can make it, if only barely, to enjoy what life can offer.

Be thankful when you are in good health. Your body and mind can live near an optimal state.

Be thankful when you are not in good health. You are not among the many others who are suffering in a far worse way than you.

So say thank you frequently. You should be grateful for the wisdom you garner from whatever comes into your life.