The Attitude of Gratitude

Grateful: feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful.

If I could think of one attitude or mindset that is life changing, it would be gratitude. Being grateful does so much for us spiritually, emotionally, physically and relationally. It can change our lives in a very good and dramatic way. Happy people are grateful. You’ve heard it before... what you look for~you will find. If you look for the good and reasons to be thankful, you will find it. If you look for the bad, you will find it. Either way, you choose.

Two people can be put in the same circumstances and have completely different experiences. You’ve probably seen it or even experienced it. I know two mothers that have pretty much the same lifestyles, ages of children, marriages etc. One is extremely happy and the other often seems very miserable. When talking with them both I could see that one of the mothers focused on the good things in her life. She was thankful for all that she had, even the routines of caring for her young family. The other mother often focused on what she didn’t have and became bored with the monotony of her life... wishing for more.

Being grateful is a skill that you can learn and train yourself to have if it’s not something you are already practicing.

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

And one of the biggest messages God tells us to do again and again is to be thankful!

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thessalonians 5:18

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

The word of God tells us not to be quiet about it or keep it a secret, but to tell others and God about it.

“That I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!” Psalm 30:12

Dr. Caroline Leaf shares the research on how gratitude can affect us in good ways...

“When you are grateful, your brain releases neurotransmitters and neurohormones that will boost mood, focus, clear thinking, and enhance mental and physical health. So next time you are anxious, find something to be grateful for!”

Our brain chemistry changes in a positive way when we are grateful. Who wouldn’t want that?

I don’t know if you’ve read the research or not, but only 10% of our happiness comes from our circumstances (look it up). Buy a new car, only 10% of happiness can be attributed to that. Win the lottery, it only gives you 10% happiness. But, when we are grateful, no matter what our circumstances, it will change our perspective and add to our happiness.

When we go through tough stuff, an attitude of gratitude will guide and strengthen us, helping us make it through it.

It’s simple to do. Look around and start being thankful (as the bible says, in ALL circumstances). Allow yourself to feel it and let it fill you up.

Instead of wishing you didn’t have to clean your floors, be thankful for floors to clean. Instead of dreading dishes, be thankful you have food to eat and water to clean with. Instead of not wanting to fold another load of laundry, say thank you for the person’s clothes you are folding (I like to offer up a quick prayer for that person... it makes folding laundry a very spiritual activity). Instead of not wanting to go to work, be thankful for a job. Do you have a desire to lose weight? Start thanking God for your body right now and all the blessings it already brings you.

I know that sometimes life is hard and it’s tough, and life can throw us major curve balls, but there is always something to be thankful for. Always. And maybe, just maybe, it will get you through.

Write out your words of gratitude... say them out loud. Share them with your children, family, and friends. I love telling my children that I’m so glad I’m their mama. Who doesn’t like being around people who talk about what they’re thankful for or hearing how thankful others are are for them? The people in your life will feel loved and appreciated. And they should.

Dr. Henry Cloud shares in The Law of Happiness that, “The factor about gratitude is that it places us squarely in the center of the way life was designed: love and relationship. We were designed as relational beings, and we do best in every area of life when we are strongly ‘in relationship.’ Gratitude takes us there.”

Do you want to do better in every area of your life, including your relationships? BE GRATEFUL.

Blooming Challenge: Start looking for the good in your life; the things, people and circumstances you have to be thankful for. Write them down in your planner or a gratitude journal. I try and list three new things everyday. It’s so very worth it!!