Cultivating a spirit of thankfulness honors God and strengthens our faith. It also strengthens our relationships with other people. We can’t be in a right relationship with God or with anyone without a spirit of thankfulness. No matter what problems we’re struggling with, we don’t want to be like the nine former lepers in the bible who forgot to say “thank you” to their Healer.
Sharing what you are thankful for isn’t just for Thanksgiving. Make it a habit to talk about what you are grateful especially doing this holiday season and for all year long. It will reinforce your feelings. Here are some of my tips in living with a Thankful spirit!
1.Meditate.
Whether you regularly meditate or not, take a break a few times a day. Focus on a spirit of thankfulness. Who are you thankful for? Bring the person to mind. Imagine your life surrounded with blessings.
2. Seek it.
If you want to be thankful, get around people with that characteristic. Some people just bubble over with enthusiasm and gratitude for life. I once met an elderly man who was exuberant about life. He barely could see out of both eyes and was unable to walk. He never complained. Instead, he would welcomed anyone into his home and would share wonderful stories of when he was a young man serving in the military. He was thankful for company, for music in the morning, and for being able to wake up every morning. As I listened to him, I realized that I wanted that special spark.
3. Stop ignoring today.-“This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice & be glad it is”, Ps-118:24-.-It’s here, open your eyes to the moment. Appreciate it, even as you look at tomorrow
4. Cultivate contentment.-Be content with what God has given you today, even as you trust Him for tomorrow.
5. Appreciate and value others- “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32. See the small things that they do right, even when they do ten other things wrong (in your eyes).See them the way God sees them.
6. Have faith-Faith goes beyond being positive. Faith is the vehicle that will build your confidence and keep you encourage even when things don’t seem like they are going to work out.
When you practice Thankfulness daily it not only strengthens relationships but it improves health, reduces stress, and, in general, makes us happier. When we can see the good as well as the bad, it becomes more difficult to complain and stay stuck.
“When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others” -Dalai Lama
