Gratefulness is not just for the month of November. Actually, gratefulness should be part of our daily lives. It is said that if a person learns to be grateful for what they have, they will eventually remove all traces of entitlement, greed, and jealousy from their lives. The spirit of gratitude is best friends with the spirit of joy, and if you happen to be a Christian, gratitude pleases God immensely! I Thessalonians 5 15-18 even say thankfulness is God’s will! “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Do you want to be in God’s will? Be thankful!

 

After you read this post, I’m going to need everyone to get a small notebook or a fancy journal and begin listing what you are grateful for.  If you are artistic…draw it! If you are poetic…write a poem about it! If you love photography…take a picture, print it out and paste it in your journal. Don’t just read this! Do something to make yourself dwell on the gifts you have around you every day!  Since you know I love lists so much, it should be no surprise that I’m leaving my partial list of things that make me feel grateful!

 

1. My husband. After my first marriage ended 15 years in, I was sure that God would never give me a second chance at love. I was wrong. He gave me Scott and I am forever grateful.

 

1. My Son. I have a talented, intelligent, funny, independent, cheerful, kind hearted, and God-honoring son. I am truly blessed.

 

1. My Church. My current church has done more to challenge me to be a better Christ-follower than any past church I’ve attended. I am grateful.

 

1. My friends, Teresa, Dawn, Ann, Stefanie, and Cortney. I hate to name names and forget someone or hurt someone’s feelings, but these 5 ladies have been my closest friends, my biggest cheerleaders, my attitude adjusters, and my sounding board for years. They are my 2:00 a.m. friends….who would take my call at that hour if I needed them. They know some of my worst character traits and love me anyway. They know my biggest fears and failures and they still stick to my side. They even put up with my weird sense of humor.  I am so thankful for them and blessed!  This is not to say I’m not grateful for my other friends. I am so lucky to have many great friends in my life! They each mean so much to me! They make my heart bubble over with gratitude.

 

1. My Job. I love my job. I am thankful that I get to do something amazing to earn an income which helps keep my family supplied with food, clothing, and shelter.

 

1. My medical benefits. I have amazing health insurance. I can go to the doctor when I need to go and yes, I’ll have to pay my share, but I never worry that I’ll run out of money and never be able to pay for my care.

 

1. White Chocolate. Okay….I had to get something quirky on this list. I LOVE white chocolate and when I eat it I’m even more grateful for my taste buds.

 

1. Dogs. Dogs are a gift, straight from Jesus to humankind. Dogs make me so happy. I am grateful for all the cute ears and happy little faces!

 

1. iPhones. I don’t even know how I survived with a phone attached to a wall or to a phone that only makes calls.  I love this little miracle called a smartphone!

 

1. Cameras. I love taking pictures. I love the creativity. I love the memories. I love capturing beautiful moments and keeping them forever. I am thankful to have some great camera equipment.

 

Folks, I could literally go on all day. When I first jotted this list in my journal, I was able to write down these 10 things in just minutes. If you really train yourself to look for things to be thankful for you will find it becoming easier and easier. How about that close parking spot at the grocery store when you’re feeling exhausted? How about that cool morning that makes you feel awake and alive? How about those gorgeous trees and flowers in your neighborhood? How about when your spouse or friend takes you out to dinner and you were dreading having to cook that night? How about when a friend calls you on your way to work just to chat? Here’s a great one for Charleston SC…how about those mornings you leave at just the right minute and traffic is moving smoothly? Even the little things are huge blessing for which to be thankful!!!  Now, go out there and keep a list of all the little and big things that make you feel grateful and develop your attitude of gratitude!

 

Listfully yours,

 

Vicki