Some Initial Ramblings on Grace and Gratitude

As previously mentioned, I have joined in with the Wendt program as a mentor, and the theme this semester is Grace & Gratitude: Grounds for Good Character. Now, I may not be so much into alliteration such as this but I think the topics, nonetheless, are sound. They seem so simple in design, like something everyone should just inherently understand. But take a look at the definitions (thank you, Merriam Webster):

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grace noun \ˈgrās\

1a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

2a : approval, favor graces> b archaic : mercy, pardon c : a special favor : privilege grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling> d : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency e : a temporary exemption : reprieve

3a : a charming or attractive trait or characteristic b : a pleasing appearance or effect : charm grace of youth — John Buchan> c : ease and suppleness of movement or bearing

4—used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

5: a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

6 plural capitalized : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty

7: a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura

8a : sense of propriety or right grace not to run for elective office — Calvin Trillin> b : the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful

grat·i·tude noun \ˈgra-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

: the state of being grateful : thankfulness

thank·ful adj  \ˈthaŋk-fəl\

1: conscious of benefit received thankful>

2: expressive of thanks <thankful service>

3: well pleased : glad thankful that it didn't rain>

 

thanks noun pl \ˈthaŋ(k)s\

1: kindly or grateful thoughts : gratitude

2: an expression of gratitude thanks before the meal> —often used in an utterance containing no verb and serving as a courteous and somewhat informal expression of gratitude thanks>

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Talk about convoluted and confusing. Gratitude is defined by thankfulness which is in turn only defined in gratitude. It's like we know what it means but can't effectively put it into any words that make any good sense.  How do I know I'm thankful? How do I express gratitude? What affect does gratitude have on my life? On the lives of those around me? And grace? How can grace mean so many things that are so very different? 

This semester launches me into the path of two topics that I can't say I've spent all that much time thinking about in life. I know that I'm thankful for the many blessings in my life, and I know that I don't deserve any of them, but what does that really mean? I cannot wait to dive in deeper...well beyond Mirriam Webster, into mentors' brains, into friends' hearts, into books, into God's word.