A Heart of Gratitude Will Change your Attitude

Do the events of your world threaten your joy? Me too! But here is my weapon that helps me not spiral downward into a dark pit. 🙂

I have to remember that a heart of gratitude will change my attitude. When I focus on the negative, my approach will be negative. When I focus on the positives, I naturally become more positive. No matter how difficult life becomes, I can find something for which to be grateful. One practical way to accomplish this is an intentional habit of identifying new blessings every day.

Implement this practice by looking for beauty all around you. Yes, there are parts of this world that are not so pretty. However, there is much beauty as well. For these gifts, I can be thankful. I pause today to see His handiwork. I choose to soak in the freshness of God’s creativity and beauty. When I praise Him for His gifts, my gratitude grows. I focus on my 'haves' instead of my 'have-nots' I have a Savior who gives joy and peace. I have family and friends that are priceless. I have a roof over my head and a warm bed to sleep in at night. I have food on my table and extra in the pantry.

Another way for me to keep a grateful heart is to remember who my God is. Even when the world around me changes, He never changes. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is ever-powerful and always with me. He loves you and me deeply. He is on our side. What more do we need, really?

Friend, if you are starting to spiral into a dark pit, pause to choose a grateful heart. Because a heart of gratitude will change your attitude, so what are you grateful for today? I challenge you to pause and praise the Giver of all good gifts.

You can start with the simple beauty around you. You can identify what you do have instead of what you do not have. You can praise Him for His unchanging love and goodness in your life. Let’s have hearts of gratitude.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)

During this Thanksgiving Season, I want to close by saying from my home to yours - Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!