Gratitude, according to the dictionary, is a sentiment of kindness or good will toward a benefactor.
It's thankfulness.
How many of us have genuinely thankful hearts for what we possess and have been given?
We seem to live in a self-centered world. Some people want things they haven't earned, and ask others to pay for them.
Taking someone else's possessions shows a sense of entitlement; the thieves didn't earn the money to buy the possession, but they want it, so they take it by force.
You may have seen the college student (Keely Mullen) wanting taxpayers to foot the cost of a college education for all students — another example of entitlement.
Click here for video of Cullen discussing the issue with Neil Cavuto
This young woman has stated that she and her friends would be happy to pay a 90 percent income tax on wages over $250,000.
While that income sounds enormous, I am sure that anyone earning $250,000 would not be content to keep just $25,000.
No matter what she says now, I guarantee she would not be content to see 90 percent of her income go toward taxes — no person would be thrilled to see their hard-earned money evaporate.
Does she really think anyone would continue to work and earn this amount of money, only to have it taken away so she and her friends can have "free" college?
Where is the gratitude that state and local colleges exist, and that their tuitions are reasonable?
Many of us went to state colleges and paid our own way. I worked while I went to college. Some students got family assistance. Others, like my husband, went into the military so he would have the GI Bill. Still others took out loans, which they repaid.
These days, some students take out huge loans to include living expenses — comprising expensive rent, cars, computers and other "necessities" — and then can't afford to pay them back.
Why should taxpayers be burdened with these costs?
Are we grateful for what the Lord has given us?
We live in a society where it seems to be the norm to desire more; not be content with what we have.
Contentment is satisfaction with what one has. I think it is a gift to be content with what the Lord has given us.
We should strive to honor the Lord with our time and talents; work hard and glorify Him; and be content with the resources He has given us.
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
"These days, some students take out huge loans to include living expenses — comprising expensive rent, cars, computers and other 'necessities' — and then can't afford to pay them back," Janice Lynn Crose says. "Why should taxpayers be burdened with these costs?"
The key is having an attitude of gratitude, she says. "Are we grateful for what the Lord has given us?"
Gratitude and loans
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Have an attitude of gratitude