Learning to be thankful can genuinely be a game changer for all of us.
Like many of us during this time of year, I’m reflecting on all the things in my life that I have to be thankful for. There are many, many, many things that I could list…big and small…that I am truly blessed with and truly thankful for.
There’s a couple of things that I want to point us all towards during this season, because in the chaos and busyness it’s all too easy to let this season pass us by without taking the time to drink in and be nourished by what God is doing around us.
First, pay attention to the things in your life that are all too easy to take for granted. Did you wake up this morning? Do you have breath in your lungs? Did you get to see, speak to, or hug someone that you love today? They may seem like small or insignificant things because they are so “common” and happen so often, but do not let that diminish their beauty, their impact, or their blessing! Train and teach yourself to notice and celebrate even the most ordinary events or people in your life. The enemy distracts us and pulls our focus from these things, but our Father is always present in these things, showing us His love and faithfulness through these things; and can offer us hope, grace, and strength from even the small and ordinary things in our lives.
Also, there’s a powerful truth that you will discover by practicing being thankful. It might be hard to believe, but I promise it’s true – it’s impossible to be anxious, discouraged, pessimistic, or fearful when you are fully, completely, and truly present in thankfulness and gratitude. It’s like magic…if you don’t believe me, try it for yourself. Take 5 minutes, quiet your mind, and turn your thoughts towards the people, relationships, circumstances, and events in your life that you are truly thankful for. When you notice your mind drifting back to a place of fear or sadness, reset it with a thought of gratitude. Take a breath and be thankful for the air. Take a drink and be thankful for the refreshment. Listen for the wind and be thankful for the Spirit of God that moves like the wind around us.
Learning to be thankful can genuinely be a game changer for all of us. We have a Father who is not shy about giving us blessings. We simply need to tune our minds, thoughts, and hearts into the frequency of gratitude. Thank you Father for this season, thank you Father for all of the ways that you bless us, and teach us to be thankful!