Character Traits

Gratefulness

Generic Definition

“appreciative of benefits received, ready to return kindness”

Biblical Definition

“acknowledging the good things given to me by God, ready to freely give the same to others”

Bible Verse

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”

Psalms 136:1

Notable Quotes

Alan Cohen

Author
“Gratitude, like faith, is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it grows, and the more power you have to use it on your behalf. If you do not practice gratefulness, its benefaction will go unnoticed, and your capacity to draw on its gifts will be diminished. To be grateful is to find blessings in everything, This is the most powerful attitude to adopt, for there are blessings in everything.”
source

Charles Dickens

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
source

David Steindl-Rast

Catholic Benedictine monk, author, and lecturer
“The root of joy is gratefulness...It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”
source

John F. Kennedy

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”
source

Charles Dickens

“Reflect upon your present blessings”
source

W. Clement Stone

Businessman
“If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.”
source

Downloads

  • Character Trait Report (pdf)
    • Intended to be used on a weekly basis.
    • Students describe how they put the character trait into practice.
    • Parent affirms, signs and dates the document.

Related Skills