It is November, and that means Thanksgiving time in the U.S. During this time of year, we hear so much about being thankful. However, if I'm not careful the stress of the upcoming holidays can obliterate the thankfully heart I want to have. Some days it take a lot of work to be thankful, so why should you make the effort?
An article I recently read says "Research shows being thankful could have tremendous benefits on your quality of life.
In fact, gratitude may be one of the most overlooked tools that we all have access to every day. Cultivating gratitude doesn’t cost any money and it certainly doesn’t take much time, but the benefits are enormous. Research reveals gratitude can have these seven benefits
- Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
- Gratitude improves physical health.
- Gratitude improves psychological health.
- Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
- Grateful people sleep better.
- Gratitude improves self-esteem.
- Gratitude increases mental strength.
Read the whole article here: From <https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/11/23/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude-that-will-motivate-you-to-give-thanks-year-round/>
In Psalm 103 vs 2 David instructs us to bless the Lord and forget not all his benefits. This isn't just a list of what he is thankful for, it is a list of the benefits of being thankful.
Who forgives all my iniquities; mental health
who heals all my diseases; physical health
Who redeems my life from destruction; protection
who crowns me with lovingkindness and tender mercies; self-esteem, positive attitude
Who satisfies my mouth with good things; provision
so that my youth is renewed like the eagle's. renewed energy
And, honestly, it is just more fun to live with an attitude of thanksgiving! It helps maintain the "glass half full" mentality, anticipating that something good it going to happen.
"Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him." Luke 8:18
When you look at the world around you with thankful hearts, you see the more you have been given. But being ungrateful is like putting blinders on, you can not see what you already do have. As you approach the new year, 2020, practice seeing with 20/20 vision all the blessings you have been given. Open you mouth and declare your thankfulness out loud. Hearing yourself say it makes it more of a reality for you.
My Being Thankful Challenge this year is to create a list of the small and everyday things you are thankful for. (free printable below) Things we often take for granted, like hot running water and indoor plumbing. Add to it everyday, read the whole list out loud with a smile, and spend some time thanking God for those blessings. I started using Instagram this year and I will be posting my Being Thankful there everyday. I hope you will join me! I believe this will be the most enjoyable and blessed holiday season for you ever.
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