What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you were grateful for yesterday? Ouch! Just saying, I would have very few things. What about you?
Even though I’ve been intentionally focusing on expressing more gratitude to God and to others, and taking note of a few things I’m grateful for every day, I know I still fall way short of having the radical attitude of gratitude that I’m seeking. I want to show gratitude not just for the “things” God has given me, but for the people He has surrounded me with, the situations He has put me in, the adventures I’ve gotten to be part of, the unique gifts, talents, and personality he has wired me with and so on.
I’m starting to understand that gratitude isn’t just about the wonderful blessings I’ve received. Sure, those are things I love and appreciate. But I’ve actually uncovered something about gratitude in the most unlikely of places. In the big and small challenges, setbacks, and detours you and I must face and overcome. It’s given gratitude a deeper meaning in my life. And in some ways, it’s actually opened up the floodgates to look at how much more I have to be grateful for with this broader and much wider perspective. If I’m honest, some of my most valuable learning experiences that I’m most grateful for have come from difficulties.
What about you? Are you someone with an attitude bent toward gratitude? Does your definition of gratitude encompass only the good, or do you also make space for giving thanks for the bad or the ugly because of how those circumstances have changed you? Maybe the obstacle you’ve faced has transformed your heart or your faith has been strengthened, or its reminded you of your need for God? What step can you take today to practice more gratitude?
P.S. I’ve already gotten to put this into practice this afternoon. I got a call from my son’s daycare that he had a fever and I needed to leave work to pick him up. My first thought was definitely not one of gratitude. But as I sit at home this afternoon with precious time to love and snuggle him, I’m grateful that I get to be his mama no matter what, whether he’s in good health or sick. ❤
On Your Mark 