I've been working on being more thankful and having an attitude of gratitude lately. One, because I know that it shifts my perspective when I might be prone to grumbling and complaining, and two, it helps me appreciate and see the good and hope in situations.
As the saying goes, "give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot."
Giving thanks and having an attitude of gratitude can take us being intentional, especially when the demands of work, sickness, finances, family, and the general pressures of the day become our main priorities. Being thankful and showing our gratitude is often forgotten about. Because let's face it, how often do we say thank you?
We overcome evil with good and there is always good somewhere, no matter how dark the day seems. God will be revealing His love, compassion and care for us in some way, it's just we have to be on the lookout for His hand at work in our lives.
So here are a few ideas to help make gratitude part of your life:
1. Thank God. When we want to grumble and complain, we thank and praise God for His goodness instead. It will soon change our focus from grumbling to appreciation and negativity to hope. Practice looking for the good instead of the bad.
2. Take time to be grateful for the small things in your life. Search for the little slivers of joy in your day because when you begin to take notice of them, they add up.
3. Keep a journal or gratitude jar. Document one or more things you are grateful for daily. 4. Aim to give at least one compliment every day, whether directly to a person or by sharing your appreciation of something.
5. Reflect - When you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask: "What can I learn from this?" "What can I be grateful for in this?"
6. Practice not complaining, criticising or gossiping. Spend time with Jesus, reading God's word and letting His love and goodness change your focus from negativity to hope.
7. Recall good things. Instead of calling someone to only complain about your life, also take time to talk about any good things that have happened since you last spoke. As a family, we ask one another around the dinner table each night, "What's the best part of your day"? And we share these things with one another.
8. Be thankful. Look and be thankful for the things you usually take for granted, such as your food, water, electricity, hot showers, transport etc.
Instead of complaining and falling into the ingratitude trap, today, take time to focus on the many good things God has provided for you.
It will positively affect your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. It gives you the strength to overcome difficulties and encourages and lifts up those around you.
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1)
"Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world…" (Philippians 2:14)
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." (Psalm 100:4)
Prayer: Lord, please help me have an attitude of gratitude. Today I want to thank you for all that you have done for me, how much you love me and this day that you have given me to enjoy. In Jesus Name Amen.