When Gratitude Becomes A Reaction

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. –William Arthur Ward

I’ve kept this quote in front of me recently, and as I’ve done so, I’m finding it contains much truth.

A humdrum day with commonplace routines becomes something a little more special. Like a typical Monday with its normal schedule, it can be seen as a gift instead of a burden.

Simple, sometimes unpleasant you-have-to-do kinds of tasks such as laundry and vacuuming are done with a hint of cheer. With the right heart attitude, all of the many necessary but not-so-fun duties on our list can be an act of thanksgiving.

Common happenings occur with wonder and appreciation. A simple sunrise or sunset takes on a new meaning. A child’s laugh becomes a cherished treasure. Legos or Barbies strewn across the floor is seen as a bonus in our day.

All because of gratitude. All because of thankfulness.

gratitude ::  appreciation, thanksgiving, indebtedness, honor, acknowledgement

We can choose to see life through the eyes of gratitude, or we can choose to see it through the eyes of condemnation.

It’s completely up to us.

I caught myself recently seeing life through the latter, and I didn’t like it one bit. I’m not sure how it happened or when or why, but I wasn’t living out God’s best for me in that kind of attitude. I chose to make a change, and intentionally began to thank God for anything and everything. Even cleaning toilets. Even a cloudy day. Even our crazy family schedule.

I chose to get intentional in my gratitude.

That’s when I found the above quote.

You might agree with me that it can be easier to live in gratitude when life is plugging along smoothly. The kids are behaving. Bills are getting paid on time. Your job is going well. Everything is working fine in your home.

But when challenges come and clouds loom it might not be as easy to continue being grateful. Sickness invades. You experience a loss of job or cut in pay. The car breaks down or your laptop gets sick (like mine did the other day).

When we’re in the habit of living in gratitude, even when life gets complicated, we’ll see life and its challenges through different eyes. Through ones of thankfulness, appreciation and praise.

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 MSG

When God is our source, gratitude is a natural reaction.

I pray God blesses us all in this season of thanksgiving with eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to rejoice in gratitude.

Friend, may God encourage you in every way possible today.

Much love,

Julie