"the beginning of greatness"

Sure, talking about contented living is easy enough. How hard is it to discuss the ideal of living a full and satisfied life? It's what we all want, at some level. We were divinely designed to seek peace, seek contentment. 

Where do we start, though? My grandma had many aphorisms by the end of her life. She was not hesitant to share her life's wisdom, and I was eager to listen. One of my favorites is this: "It is impossible to be grateful and unhappy at the same time." Don't believe her? Just try it. Spend five minutes making a gratitude list and tell me how you feel afterward. 

Gratitude is the root of so much goodness, including contentment. Gratitude is powerful, much more so than we realize. Several years ago, one of my church leaders (now passed) said the following regarding gratitude and its potential:

A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.--James E. Faust, "Gratitude as a Saving Principle"

 If you're floundering and wondering where to begin finding your balance within contented living, start with cultivating gratitude. When your soul is grateful, your life is primed for contentment.

This post is part of a 31-day series on contented living. You can find the other posts here.