This is a question I’ve been asking myself a lot recently. If I don’t feel grateful for what I already have, what makes me think I’ll be happy with more? Deep down I know that I’m blessed and at certain times I’m pretty in tune with feeling and expressing gratitude, but if I’m honest, who I also am is someone who is challenged by a desire for more. More things, more money, more opportunity, more kids, more space/square footage, more adventures, more experiences, more time. And the list goes on and on. Can you relate? 

I want to be a woman with a radical attitude of gratitude.  Not just a girl who lets her feelings or circumstances on on any given day dictate whether or not she is going to be grateful. And this I know for sure. You and I have a choice to make. We can focus on all that we already have and the countless ways God has truly blessed us. Or we can zero in on the size of the gap we see between what we currently have and whatever it is on the ever-growing list of things we think we want/need. I know that “more” isn’t the precursor to happiness and joy. I’ve chased down too many things in my life only to realize that those very things I was running after with all my might left me unfulfilled and on empty once I got a hold of them. Anyone with me? We have to choose. But more importantly, we get to choose. It really is up to us. Recently I’ve taken a step. It’s a tiny step, but I’m already seeing significant results. I’ve chosen to start each morning by recognizing/naming at least three things I’m grateful for. And here’s what I’m discovering. Choosing to center my day on gratitude and all that God has provided for me is transforming not only my perspective, but also the posture of my heart. I’m starting to see myself as someone who is able to both give and receive to a greater degree. I’m learning that my capacity to give is actually based on my ability to receive with gratitude. It’s also made me reflect on areas of my life where I’m thankful that “less is more.” It’s helping me to see the beauty in everyday things that I’m pretty certain I was overlooking or simply taking for granted. And I trust that this is just the tip of the iceberg in my learning process about gratitude. I’m excited to see what else God teaches me as I continue my new morning routine.  

Do you ever struggle with feeling grateful for what you already have? Do you tell yourself the lie that you’ll be happy once your circumstances improve or to have a little more? Decide today that you’re no longer going to fall for it because it’s robbing you of the joy God wants you to experience today. And instead ask yourself this question. What blessings can I begin naming starting right now?