Encouraging a Culture of Gratitude

Web Posted: November 3, 2003

When was the last time you said, "Thank you" to a colleague or classmate? Have you gone out of your way, recently, to notice the gifts or capabilities of another person and tell him or her that you noticed? Part of being a Jesuit university involves encouraging a "culture of gratitude," in which we not only realize the contributions of others, but also go out of our way to mention what we see, to bring those gifts to light.

Ignatian spirituality leads us to an awareness of "God in all things." Similarly, there is a presence of God in all people " especially in those we might ordinarily overlook, those who are distasteful to us, or those whom we take for granted. In this month of thanksgiving, it is a fitting time to renew our commitment to building a culture of gratitude. Thank you for the blessings you bring to the Marquette community.