Attitude of Gratitude

Having an attitude of gratitude is not always easy or simple. Often times, we think gratitude is just saying “Thank you” to someone. While thanking people is great, it is not the life-changing kind of thankfulness that we are called to have. We are called to have a grateful heart. It is easy to see the blessings in your life, it is harder to feel blessed in all seasons of life. 

When faced with a task that you may not be very excited about, do you find yourself saying “I have to do this…” or have you learned to say “I get to do this…” We may know that our home is a blessing, but do we treat it in a way that a blessed person would treat it? Our homes, like many blessings, require maintenance and upkeep. The same is true for relationships. Often times we fall into the habit of feeling burdened by chores, volunteering, and helping others. We see these things as items to check off of a to-do list rather than as opportunities to invest in our blessings.

Changing your attitude is not an easy feat. It takes time for habits to form. If you’re not sure where to start, I think keeping a daily Gratitude Journal is a great idea! Pick a time each day to jot down what you’re most thankful for and then spend a little time in prayer to thank the Lord for those blessings. Another great habit to start is when you catch yourself feeling that “I have to…” phrase, try to change it! If you’re thinking “I have to do the laundry” try to remind yourself that access to clean clothes and a closet to store them in are blessings.

As we go into a holiday named for giving thanks, I encourage you to find the difference between knowing what your blessings are and actually feeling blessed by them. “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians‬ 3:15-21