Practice being Grateful

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. The year is quickly coming to an end and there is a need to stop and reflect. I read an article on Practicing the Attitude of Gratitude that presents a challenge on being grateful and the following is an excerpt from Michael Hyatt’s blog “Intentional Leadership”. 

{The writer told of a story about carrying a gratitude rock in his pocket. The idea is that whenever your hand contacts the stone, you give thanks for whatever is happening at the moment, whether good or bad.  In that simple act the writer’s attitude started to change. Instead of seeing the glass half-empty, he saw it has half-full. Instead of focusing on what he didn’t have, he started to focus on what he did have – right now.

Someone once wisely told me, “You won’t get what you don’t have until you learn to be grateful for what you do have.”  We so often focus on our lack – what’s missing.

For example, we complain about our relationships, we wish we had a spouse. Or perhaps we wish we didn’t have a spouse. Or we wish we could get a different job, a different boss, or a bigger paycheck. We wish we could live in a different city a different part of the city, or a different house. We complain about our furniture, our car, and all our other stuff.

Apparently before long we realize this is not healthy – and do we really think complaining will lead to better situations?

I challenge you to be more deliberate in being thankful and not just before meals–                    the gratitude rock is one tool that can help.}To begin write down twenty items you are thankful for right now. Here’s my list: not in any particular order.

      1.    My relationship with God

2.    God’s blessings

3.    Gracious daughter Andrea and son-in-law Ed

4.    Grandchildren, Austin and Dylan

5.    Generous and loving son Alex

6.    A place to live

7.    Relative good health

8.    Job

9.    food

10.Warm, dry, comfortable

11.Writing and being creative

12.Living in San Antonio

13.Friendly neighbors

14.Music

15.Church family

16.Laughter

17.Brother John & Sister-in-law Mona and sisters, Peggy and Brother-in-law Wayne, and Mary

18.Nieces & Nephews: Timothy, Rianna, Alyssa, Adam, Samantha

19.Freedom

20.Cats

If you give thanks with purpose every day it will change your life. What’s on your list?  You can leave a comment.