Practicing A Lifestyle of Gratitude

Practicing a lifestyle of gratitude is of great value in experiencing today as good and truly being contented.

No one has a perfect life with everything they want, but all of us have much to be grateful for. Taking time to acknowledge small blessings reduces stress and increases joy.  Thanksgiving is a great time to step back and notice the things that are truly important in life. 

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Since the practice of gratitude is so powerful, how can we make it an intentional part of our daily living?  At the top of our "To Do" list each day, why not put "Take time to be grateful."  What a burst of energy and joy we receive when we take time to give thanks. 

Perhaps it’s making a gratitude list in our daily journal or writing texts, e-mails or notes of appreciation to those who have helped us.  For centuries, as individuals and families have gathered around a table for a meal, they have paused to give thanks before they begin to eat.  Maybe it's time we added a moment of gratitude at our meal times.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

As we daily turn our will and life over to God’s care, His unfailing love and forgiveness will give us the strength we need for the journey ahead. 

The road to a fulfilled and purposeful life is one of experiencing the great love of God for us and being thankful that He lifted us out of the pit of sin and brought us into the light of His presence. 

We set ourselves up for confusion, darkness, and suffering if we abandon the practice of humbly thanking God for all He has done for us.

Gracious God, We can’t begin to tell you how grateful we are for what You have done for us.  Each breath we take is a gift from You. 

Thank You for our life, for hope, for family and friends.  Thank You also for the opportunities that lie ahead as we surrender our will and life to Your care. 

On this Thanksgiving Day and each day going forward help us to practice gratitude so we can be filled with faith and live in conscious awareness of your generous heart towards us.   Amen

Happy Thanksgiving Day to you, not only to those of us who live in Canada who have a holiday today, but to all of you, wherever you live.