Practicing Gratefulness

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Reflecting

About two years ago I made an earnest effort to end my day writing down three things I was grateful for that day. As with all new habits I was not as consistent as I wanted to be. I kept at it though and now it is rare that I miss day.
Looking back the change it has made in my day to day was subtle. I noticed more things to be grateful for during the course of the day so that I could stop writing that I was thankful for dinner every day. I mean, I was, but I was missing the point I think. There are 100s of little things to be grateful for in a day. That the lights turn on, toothpaste, that the refrigerator works, the sleeping smiles of my family, hot coffee, blankets and that is all before breakfast! My prayers all tend to begin with thanks now; that is not how they began most of my life.
The biggest surprise is that I have become grateful for people who irritate me. I know that sounds backwards but I have become grateful for people who are nothing like me. Grateful for God’s amazing creation. He tells us “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.” Philippians 4:6.  I can attest that a posture of gratitude does drive that worry away. It is quite miraculous. I did not start on my quest with this verse in mind, yet I can personally testify to its absolute truth.
May you choose gratefulness today.   -Peni

 

 

 

 

A Month of Thanksgiving

It’s not unusual this time of year for us to talk about remembering the things we are grateful for.  And here at FZ we can’t think of any reason why we wouldn’t continue that practice, however, as always, we hope to challenge you to more.  More that just a moment of thanks, more that just a list of things, more than just an exercise for one month of the year.  As I read my friend Peni’s reflection, and remembered walking life with her early in that journey, I realize haven’t really leaned into this either.  I am incredibly grateful for the life God has given me, my family, and my friends.  I am grateful for the country I get to live in, the churches I get to serve, the ministry I get to be a part of.  I am grateful for our pets, and our vacations, and working cars.  I am grateful for our health and safety. I am grateful for so much, and yet, I know that gratefulness is not the attitude I live and operate out of daily.

Today, I take up the challenge to list 3 things daily that I am grateful for, to include those things in my conversations with God, and to let an attitude of thankfulness take root in my heart.  Will you join me?  There are no hard and fast rules, you can list one thing or fifty, you can discuss it over dinner or  journal or pray. You can invite your friends to do it with you,  or keep it private between you and God.  But I believe, if I commit to it, and allow God access to my heart and my attitudes He can use this to change me, to heal me, to bring me joy.  Ultimately it’s another step in chasing after the life He has for us, and I am always up for pursuing more of Him, are you?

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