Thankfulness
This post contains affiliate links. If you use a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure for more details.
The Practice of Gratitude
Gratitude takes practice. When I’m feeling less than stellar or discouraged about things, I begin to think through why I’m feeling those feelings. Many times I realize that I’ve forgotten to practice gratitude.
It’s a small habit, seemingly insignificant. Yet, it has profound impacts on our daily life. It’s similar to the small habit of drinking enough water for our bodies to stay healthy (healthy on the inside, where we can’t feel it or see it). It’s also similar to the habit of prayer. Small talks with Christ throughout our day that makes amazing change in our perspectives and ultimately our lives.
Why Thankfulness is Important?
Practicing gratitude actually re-wires our mind. It causes us to think about positive elements in our day to day, and that will in turn affect our outlook. There are scientific studies about the benefits of thankfulness, and I’ve seen this play out in my own life.
The science behind how our brain works.
What we think about will trace various neuro paths in the brain, and the more often we think a thought, the stronger the neuro path becomes. With enough positive neuro paths firing, we will have developed a positive viewpoint.
Not only is thinking about positive memories or facts in our life healthy for our neuro paths, but it also releases dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals give us happy feelings which grow our motivation and strengthen our will-power. The neuro paths and chemicals work together to make up how we think about life. This in turn will affect what we do.
“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6
Some have said, “practice makes perfect.” However, I disagree. The truth is that “practice makes permanent.” The habits we practice become stronger and more permanent in our lives. May we practice well!
When Things Go Wrong
In my experience, the most important moment to practice thankfulness, is in the moment when things go wrong. The moment of disappointment or sadness is a critical moment, and we are faced with a choice: the choice of despair or hope. If you can think of something to be grateful for in that difficult moment, then you are actively choosing hope.
And it’s okay to despair. There are times of deeper grief and true sorrow. Hope and thanksgiving may have to wait and appear slowly over time; like a thick fog finally lifting. In the midst of the haze, the moment seems blurry for such a long time, but eventually the fog will lift. The moment will clear, and one can feel the sunshine again. Then you can begin to practice thankfulness.
In the smaller disappointments, practicing gratitude can soften the blows and keep perspective clear. Thankfulness is a vital component when things go wrong!
When Things Go Right!
Life can roll along pretty quickly and even mindlessly. In those moments when things are going well, take the time to be thankful.
Philippians 4 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible. In verses 6 & 7, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When we have a continual conversation going on throughout our day with the Lord, our minds will be set in the right place! Being grateful for the good moments in our life is a way to continue that conversation.
Seven Verses of Truth
I have seven verse cards that I keep as daily reminders of truth. What I say to myself in my own head will define what I believe and eventually play out in what I do. Practicing gratitude and keeping truth about who we are in Christ ever before us is an excellent habit.
How to Practice Thankfulness
Here’s a list of tips to help practice thankfulness in your “every day.”
Morning Ideas
- Write down 3 things you are thankful for each morning. Keep a specific notebook or journal for this list. Place a date every so often, and keep a numbered list if you like. 10 turns into 100, which turns into 1,000 over time!
- Thank the Lord for something about yourself as you look in the mirror to get ready for the day.
- Pray and thank God for 2 things about your home as you shower.
- Tell your children why you’re thankful for them as you drop them off at school or start your day.
Mid-day Ideas
- Write a Thank You note to a friend.
- Send a Thank You text to a friend. Thank them for being your friend.
- As you pray over your lunch, thank God for something that happened that week.
- Make the effort to thank someone during one of your errands; the mailman, the banker, the grocery store clerk, or the librarian.
Evening Ideas
- Write down 3 things you can be thankful for from your day.
- Pray, and thank God for something when your head hits the pillow at bedtime.
- As you put a child to bed, share something you’re thankful for, and ask them to share something they are thankful for.
Conclusion
Counting our blessings will in turn bless our lives in ways we do not expect! I can’t help but think of a short song from the classic movie, White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney:
As we gear up for Thanksgiving and Christmas, remember to practice gratitude.
What habits do you practice to keep an attitude of Thankfulness? Comment below. I would love to hear your ideas!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Keep Walking Friend,
Christina
