05/07/2015
Give thanks for the small, ordinary things. I make a concentrated effort to thank God for the things that most people don’t think twice about—clean water, my bed, even my comfy pajamas! I truly am thankful for these things, and I make it a point to let God know that I am.
Give thanks independent of feelings. Our lack of feeling grateful does not change reality—God is good, all the time. When I focus on my feelings, though, I find I have very little to be thankful for. True gratitude comes from a heart of love, not from how we feel.
Look for the hidden blessings. Sometimes we have to actively keep ourselves alert to the subtle or indirect blessing of God. I’ve noticed that when I’m shopping alone with my four daughters I always find a parking place close to the store’s entrance and near a cart return. Coincidence? I don’t think so. God knows how grateful I am for the “extra help” on these days.
Thank God in the midst of adversity. While in chains in prison, Paul gave thanks for God’s goodness (Philippians 1:3). One night during an excruciating migraine, I was determined to praise God and thank Him for His goodness even in the midst of my pain. It was one of the best times I’ve ever had with the Lord.
Put things in perspective. Have you been grumbling because you can’t afford a new table and chairs for the dining room? Go serve in a soup kitchen for the homeless. Find it difficult to be thankful for your job? Spend a few minutes with the people in line at the unemployment office. Do you find yourself complaining about minor aches and pains? Pray for someone with a terminal illness. I find that when I put things in proper perspective my gratitude level soars.
Keep a record of God’s faithfulness. As the old song goes, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” Several years ago I began a “Thank you” journal dedicated exclusively for recording blessings from the Lord. To date, I have many volumes of these journals filled
