Gratitude #1

 Let’s give THANKS

Taken from: http://www.garlandvance.com/14-ways-to-practice-gratitude-every-day/

Thanksgiving is next week.  Here are some ideas to practice gratitude every day!!

#1 Commit to give thanks IN everything, not just FOR something.

I’ve commented on this before, but in the New Testament, 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verse 19 says: “In everything give thanks.”

Not just in the good times, but (maybe especially) in the bad times.  It is a commitment - every day, every hour.  As you wake up do you say “Thank you God for a new day?”,  As you dress, do you think “I have been blessed to have clothes to wear”, As you eat, do you think or even say a blessing over your food? 

The article emphasized the words IN EVERYTHING  What does that mean to you?  As you stubbed your toe, as you cut yoursef with a knife, as you have to buy new tires for the car as the old ones are so worn - do you give thanks? 

#2  Keep a gratitude journal.

The article suggests just five minutes a day.  Maybe as the first thing in the morning, you can think of all that happened yesterday and give thanks for it.  Be thankful we have a President, Congress, Governor, Mayor, police, teachers, but the gratitude for things in your life. 

1 Timothy chapter 2 verse 1 says: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 

Even if you like or don’t like the President, this seems to indicate that we are to be thankful for, and pray for, our leaders.

#3 Start your prayers with gratitude

I know that not all people pray, but if you do, count your blessings!!  Put peace deep inside you.  And, even if you don’t pray, ALWAYS have an “attitude of gratitude”

#4 Tell your spouse things you are grateful for at bedtime.

Like bookends, start and end your day in gratitude.  In my opinion, gratitude at bedtime can set the night for restful sleep as your mind remembers your grateful attitude.

#5  Express gratitude at the start of every hour.

I have a friend that for a time set the alarm on his iPhone to go off at five minutes before the hour.  (I think it didn’t set it for the hour as many meetings start at the top of the hour).  The article suggests taking about 30 seconds to be grateful.

So, how about you?  Are you grateful to be alive? (Aside, after my ‘vacation in the mental hospital a month ago, I am relearning being grateful to be alive).

Hugs!!

Karen