Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about being thankful and blessed. These two words are popularly used (often together) in polite conversation, or for wall décor or greeting cards. However, they should have a much deeper reality in our lives than just being pleasant words. The attitude of being thankful and the condition of being blessed are our daily bread. They go hand in hand because when we get blessed, we are thankful; and when we are thankful, we get blessed. It’s a wonderful cycle that helps to keep us going day after day.
Here are ten things for which I am thankful:
- That I woke up this morning (in other words, I’m still alive)
- That I am saved (with all that it entails, like going to heaven!)
- That I have a Bible (so I can know the truth)
- That I am married (my husband puts up with my shenanigans)
- That I have a terrific family (I don’t mean to brag, but they are outstanding!)
- That I have wonderful friends (they are the best!)
- That I live in the United States of America (a country founded on freedom)
- That I have food, clothing, and shelter (my needs are met)
- That I can pray (I don’t know what I’d do without this one)
- That I can love and be loved (which is the greatest of them all)
These are some of the things that I have been blessed with and am thankful for. This of course, is not my complete list and my items may be different from yours. But it may give you some ideas for your list if you don’t already have one.
Every day that we wake up is an opportunity for success. We cannot change the past and we don’t know what the future holds, so we only have today. What if your life is a mess? Today, that all could change. What if you’re happy as a clam? Today is another chance to enjoy it.
Overall, our lives are governed by our convictions. Determining that we will be thankful each day will open the doors for great blessings, which in turn will give us many reasons to be thankful. And then continuing to be thankful every day will put us in the position to receive more blessings. Isn’t that an amazing way to live?
Our lives aren’t always happy because situations occur that take our happiness away. But even in those difficult times, we can find something to be thankful for, even if it’s only for running water. Holding on to our conviction to be thankful through the hard times allows us to see the light at the end of the tunnel and paves the way for us to get to it.
Genuine thankfulness prevents a multitude of negative thoughts, like selfishness, greed, and jealousy. And it fosters a multitude of positive thoughts, like caring, giving and selflessness. And really, isn’t that the kind of life we want to have? A life of being selfless rather than selfish, of being a giver rather than a taker? I know that I strive to emulate the qualities that I admire in others – generosity is a good example. Thankfulness is a step in the right direction toward being that person we sincerely want to be.
It’s the giving we do in life that provides us with real purpose. Thankfulness takes the focus off ourselves so that we can focus on the truly meaningful things in life, like helping others. My greatest joy comes from being a blessing – not just from receiving one (although I’m thankful for the ones that I receive!). If I can touch someone’s heart, if I can help and support someone in need, I am fulfilled. I can also rejoice in others’ good fortune whether I had anything to do with it or not because I’m thankful for their blessings and I realize that it is “not all about me”. And you know what the most unbelievable thing is about being selfless? That when we seek to bless others and look beyond ourselves, we get abundantly blessed, which leads to an even more thank-filled life. It’s a fantastic win-win lifestyle!
So, let’s maintain an attitude of gratitude, and forget not to count our blessings. Let’s take time to appreciate what we’ve been given and look for ways to share our blessings with others. For doing these things will give us true satisfaction in our lives and help us become the people we genuinely want to be. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by being thankful and blessed.
Note to my readers: I am thankful and blessed by you. I sincerely appreciate you giving your time to read my writings. And as always, I hope they bless you.
Next week’s post will be on Thursday. Happy Holidays!