“Blessed and Grateful” by Mary Loudermilk
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24…)
The longer I live, the more I’m convinced that gratitude is a key element in living a happy life. It’s difficult to be grumpy and grateful at the same time. It’s also difficult to be selfish and grateful. Or angry, rude, or thoughtless and grateful. You get the idea. A thankful spirit is the perfect antidote for a lot of our everyday irritations and attitudes.
Someone once compared gratitude to a muscle that grows stronger the more we exercise it. If we aren’t careful, we can allow our gratitude muscle to grow weak from disuse. It’s something we need to practice daily. Here are some ways to grow in gratitude.
Recognize it. Learn to look for something good in every situation. We are quick to find the bad, but we should also look for the good. What can I learn from this? Can it help me grow? Will it increase my faith? Can I recognize God’s hand at work?
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).
Speak it. Say “thank you.” Verbally expressing our thanks makes the person we are thanking feel appreciated and it makes us feel better too. Just two little words, but oh so powerful when offered with sincerity—and a smile.
Write it. Keep a gratitude journal. Put your blessings in writing. If you don’t journal, an alternate way is to create a gratitude jar. Each day take time to write down at least one thing that you are grateful for and drop it in the jar. On a day when everything seems to be going wrong, read some of your past blessings and take courage.
Reflect on it. Each night before falling asleep, thank God for the good things that happened during your day. Gratitude has a positive effect on our physical and mental health. It makes us more resilient. We “bounce back” quicker when facing difficulties. Reflecting on God’s goodness is the perfect way to end our day—and we will sleep better too.
Pass it on. As Paul began his letter to the Philippians, he penned:
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:2-6…)
What an uplifting expression of Paul’s gratitude to his friends and fellow believers. How encouraging it must have been for the church in Philippi to receive his letter and realize that he appreciated them, prayed for them, and recognized the work God was doing in and through their lives.
Have you considered how much your words of gratitude and affirmation will mean to someone? When was the last time you took time to express your appreciation to those in your life? You may never know the impact a few sincere and meaningful words will have in their life. It may be just what they need to get through a difficult day with grace and hope.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-28…)
Info from: Pure Ministry – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesconnections-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com