Learning to be grateful in all seasons.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)… “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I’m a worrier, and come from a long line of worriers. I used to think worry was a family character trait, and therefore, it was justified to spend time worrying about anything and everything, of which I had no control. I convinced myself over the years that worrying was helping me become a more conscientious and responsible adult. I didn’t fully realize that worry is a choice, and so is learning to “give thanks in all circumstances.” I had the power to change, and I had the faith in God to give me the ability to change my perspective on life’s circumstances and to trust Him for the outcome.

Reflect on this quote I recently discovered… “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” Corrie Ten Boom (She was a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, is celebrated for her courageous efforts in sheltering Jewish people from Nazi persecution during World War II.)

This summer, I am exploring the power of learning to “give thanks,” and the positive outcome of this lost spiritual discipline will have on my journey of faith with Jesus and my relationships with others.

R&D is an acronym from the marketplace/business world, and stands for “research and development.” Join me on a research experiment and see what develops in your life over the next 30 days. I hypothesize that your attitude and mood will change for the better, your perspective on your “situation” will become more positive, and your faith in God will grow stronger. Check this out…

For one month, spend 5 minutes each day writing down 3 things you are thankful for in a notebook or journal. You could write them down on a Post-it note and stick them to the bathroom mirror for you to review every day. Write down 3 different things or people you are thankful for, and be specific; no repeats! At the end of 30 days, share with a friend or a spouse what has developed in your life through your newfound “attitude of gratitude.” Feel free to reach out to me and share your results! If it is working, keep going through July and August… don’t stop.

Until the next post, find joy every day, offer prayers to God daily, and say “thank you” for all that life throws at you.