Thankfulness

In my newsletter this week, we will talk about the meaning behind the word “Thankfulness.” Did you know that being thankful comes from what is in your heart? We chose whether to be thankful or not. You may say-not everyone’s situation leads them to have a thankful heart especially during the holidays. I would have to agree! Choosing to be thankful is a choice. However, I know that circumstances and can also lead us at times to feel strained, stressed, depressed and even can lead us to isolate. But we never want to stay stagnate in this state because it to can become a pattern. In most circumstances, we can find some good and be grateful even in the midst of a storm-we just have to be intentional and look for ways to be grateful. How do you find ways to be thankful when things are not always ideal? We build a habit of gratitude. Author Jeremy Smith states: Gratitude “Is a lens that helps us to see the things that don’t make it onto our lists of problems to be solved. It’s a spotlight that we shine on the people who give us the good things in life. It’s a bright red paintbrush we apply to otherwise-invisible blessings, like clean streets or health or enough food to eat.” “Research says that I increase my chances of psychologically surviving hard times, that I stand a chance to be happier in the good times. I’m not ignoring the threats; I’m appreciating the resources and people that might help me face those threats.” What a great outlook! During this holiday season, let’s look at the things we can be thankful for even if our days that are not ideal. By redirecting our mind to see the positives rather than focusing on the negatives, our days can become brighter. Sonja Lyubomirsky says it best: “Gratitude is one of the easiest ways to shift our set-point-driven state of mind. Fifteen seconds of savoring something you are grateful for can be transformative. It can broaden your perspective on life, turn problems into possibilities and irritation into curiosity. The challenge and real benefit comes from training the skill to become second nature so that you naturally savor gratitude throughout the day.” So will you join me and replace the worry, fear and stress in your heart with Christ and allow him to transform your pattern of thoughts so you can find reasons to be thankful? By allowing him to work on your behalf, the things that you may find may be small, but the return will certainly be big and rewarding!

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Chaplain Tracey Burns

Reflection Questions

1. What areas in your life do you find to be difficult to be thankful for?

2. How will you ensure that you take intentional steps to create a habit of gratitude?

3. When you think about who rules your heart, is it Jesus or other things that takes precedence?

Bonus: Great song (if you are interested listen to this and ask), when you think about your life, do you give thanks and are you “Grateful”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh2goMABFPc&ab_channel=ElevationWorship