"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (I Thes. 5:18, NIV).
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, do we look around at what we are truly thankful for, or do we seem to scurry around like a bunch of squirrels frantically gathering nuts for the winter? Do we stress ourselves out about planning and preparing the big Thanksgiving meal and all that entails? Then do we worry about the clean up and rush around to put it to an end, so we can put away the left overs and anxiously prepare for shopping on Black Friday? Do we then begin the frenzy mode for the holiday shopping? Whoa! Stop, slow down, breathe, count your blessings, and throw in some praises with prayer along the way. Whew!
Let's look at a practical plan for developing an "attitude of gratitude":
Each day write down at least three things you are grateful for.
Thank God for all blessings, big and small.
Praise Him daily - throughout the day.
Read your Bible and soak in His word.
Pray to God, with thanksgiving in your heart.
Try this for twenty-one days, soon you will develop an 'attitude of gratitude' and see how truly blessed you are. After developing this mindset of being thankful, you will notice more and more your true blessings and your gratitude list will eventually become longer. You won't get caught up in the anxiousness of life, you will feel more at ease as you are spending time thanking and praising the Lord. Accept the challenge to develop an 'attitude of gratitude'.
It has been said that "gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."
-Sara Ban Breathnach
Never become too busy to praise- never be too stressed to feel blessed - never be be too anxious to be thankful -
Let continual praise reframe your mindset.
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." (Ps.100:4)
Father God, we praise You for the many blessings, both big and small, that you bestow upon us each and every day. May we stop to deliver the praise that You so richly deserve. Thank You for Jesus and what He truly means to us. In Christ's Holy Name, Amen.
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