We are in the midst of the holiday season. As time moves on, it seems we suddenly hop from Fourth of July, slide into Halloween, then jump into Christmas, stopping long enough to eat a delicious Thanksgiving meal before we open those presents under the tree. I’ve been guilty of thinking too little about the purpose of Thanksgiving, but as I “mature” (I didn’t say getting old, mind you), I realize how blessed I am. Nowadays I don’t limit it to a day a year.
I’ve adopted an attitude of gratitude that I try to practice on a daily, sometimes a minute by minute basis. Achieving and maintaining an attitude of gratitude is something that must be done on purpose. Yes, most would agree that we have a lot to be thankful for. After all, many of us live in comfortable homes, wear nice clothes, and have reliable transportation. We have no shortage of clean water or healthy food. We have access to quality healthcare and education, and basically live a good life with a lot of freedom, safety, and security. While it’s easy to take all this for granted, and focus on the opposite of what we DO NOT have, millions across the globe live without basic necessities.
I visited Argentina once on a choir/orchestra tour. I was amazed at the splendor of the city, but appalled at the great poverty that existed in the midst of great wealth. When I returned home, I wanted to kneel down and kiss the ground, grateful for everything I take for granted.
Yes, it’s easy to complain about the price of gasoline, car repairs, and the like. But I pass by people walking to and fro every single day who just dream about having a car … any car … to drive. That’s why maintaining an attitude of gratitude is something we need to do on purpose.
As an experiment, try going about your day and make a point to be grateful for the things you may otherwise not even notice. Perhaps be thankful for coffee, or hot water. As you begin to thank God for the seemingly small things in your life, it will help you to focus on the positive and everything you do have. As result, you will also be much happier!
During my practice of attitude of gratitude, I became more aware of God around me. It began to open up lines of communication between me and the Man Upstairs. It not only helps me realize how He’s working in my life, it gives me a new perspective—my mind is renewed, my attitude is improved, and I’m much happier (Psalm 16:11).
It never ceases to astound me how two people can have the exact same experience, the same circumstance, yet one person can be negative, dissatisfied and hopeless while the other is optimistic and full of joy! I’m sure you know someone like that, too.
A heart of gratitude makes all of the difference. Living life with a heartful of gratefulness and thanksgiving for who God is and what He does for us lifts heavy burdens off our shoulders and causes us to see everything in a different light. Yes, every moment that we’re given is a precious gift from God. We can choose to have a thankful attitude and live each moment full of joy…simply because God is good.
Thank You, Lord, for Your abundance and the many moments in my life You use to strengthen my faith. May I learn to be ever grateful, choosing to rejoice even when I cannot see how You’re working, knowing You will do immeasurably more than I could ask. Thank You for improving my attitude of gratitude. Amen.
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com.
Tagged: gratitude, patriotic holidays, purpose and calling, Thanksgiving
