The Gratitude Game – A Lesson In Being Grateful

Jan Risher -

I’ve decided I’m going to focus on gratitude over the next few weeks. I’m going to try to do something every day to focus my energy and spirit on the bounty and beauty of my world.

This morning, I started my Gratitude Quest in the car with my youngest daughter. She’s 10 years old and often wise far beyond her years. We took turns naming ten things we’re grateful for. I told her the things we named had to be specific. For example, just saying, “Food,” wouldn’t cut it. We had to name specific things and moments we were grateful for.

We were driving toward Grand Coteau as we played our little Gratitude Game. It was fun and literally put us both in brighter and lighter moods.

In her list, among other items she listed, she said, “I’m grateful that a family took the time and energy to spend three years working to adopt me from China.” She followed that one with, “I’m grateful my family works so hard for me to get the best education I can get.”

She wasn't trying to play me. She wasn't trying to say the right thing. She was just speaking what was on her mind.

She wins.

I give.

Or maybe, I win, after all.

Because in that moment, I don’t think I could have been more grateful even if Ed McMahon had run across the road, knocked on my window and handed me a check at the next stoplight.