Every day I write down the things for which I am grateful. I think that is a very good start to hliving life with gratitude, but it seems just like putting a stamp or a P.S. on a letter or maybe even just a payment on a bill.
I am beginning to think that a few words of appreciation at the end of the day does not fill my life with thanksgiving. I want to get to the place where those few minutes at the end of my day, or the few whispers of "Thank You" during my busy moments begin to flood over and drown me in an attitude of gratefulness!
How do I get there? Well, the journal is making me aware of the blessings that surround me. It also keeps me looking for those precious moments. It is possible to go further. What if I decided to set aside definite times during the day when I stop and pray a prayer of thanks? Setting the timer and chosing to tell God how good He is right then could be a way to spread the attitude throughout the day.
Would it be worth the effort? I think so. He is worth it! Surely there can only be good in the giving of thanks!
Good and Holy God, You ARE worthy to be praised! In everything I should give You thanks! But I am only taking baby steps toward that full life flooding over with gratitude. Forgive me, Father, for the times I have walked away like the 9 lepers who forgot to say thanks. Thank You for turning me around and leading me to the place where my heart can be full of thanksgiving, living in the blessing, and overcome with joy! You are good. I want to see You in my whole life!
Showing posts with label attitudes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label attitudes. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, January 9, 2009
Attitude Adjustment
We all sport an attitude. It may change during the workings of the day, but we bring an attitude into every conversation and action.
All attitudes cause that ripple effect of changing attitudes in others. If we have a good attitude or a bad one we will influence the attitudes of others. They may not take on our particular mood but theirs will be affected. If they keep a happy mood when we present them with a sour disposition, it is only because they are working harder.
An amazing fact is that we can control our attitudes! We choose to look at the silver lining behind the storm clouds, hold up a bright umbrella or we get soaked by the storm and drown in self pity.
Where am I today? I am looking for the silver lining and the bright umbrella. I'm getting a little bit of the sprinkles from the storm but I am on my way to putting a smile on my face! I hope it helps you to smile too!
All attitudes cause that ripple effect of changing attitudes in others. If we have a good attitude or a bad one we will influence the attitudes of others. They may not take on our particular mood but theirs will be affected. If they keep a happy mood when we present them with a sour disposition, it is only because they are working harder.
An amazing fact is that we can control our attitudes! We choose to look at the silver lining behind the storm clouds, hold up a bright umbrella or we get soaked by the storm and drown in self pity.
Where am I today? I am looking for the silver lining and the bright umbrella. I'm getting a little bit of the sprinkles from the storm but I am on my way to putting a smile on my face! I hope it helps you to smile too!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Bearly Started
I've started the new year on a down note. It has not been an extreme low, but it hasn't begun how I wanted it to be.
I won't go into details but my thoughts are my biggest problem. It seems that no matter what is happening I think a negative thought or look at the situation as less than what it should be. GRRRRR. I really don't like being a bear growling about and scaring people away. Now if I were a Teddy Bear that was cuddly and kind and a comfort to others that would be great! But the past few days I haven't been.
I've been angry...over what, I am not sure I even have a good reason for my anger. I have sought for one, but it only lands on innocent people who have no intentions of provoking me.
I've been sad....mostly that I cannot change things that are going on around me. I also am not the person I want to be, do what I want to do (and earn a living at it), or fulfill the roles of wife, mother, friend and grandmother with the joy and integrity and blessing I want to be in those roles.
I interpret the actions , words, and silences of family and friends and surmise who I am from that, BUT my Heavenly Father has spoken to me this morning. He has told me that He knows my heart. He knows everything about me, and HE alone can judge who I am. The hard part for me is to shut my eyes and ears to those around me and keep my eyes and ears focused on HIM!
So, going with my goal for this year to send God's message, I will close my eyes and ears to the world and open them to my all knowing all loving Father. I hope you will see a change in me and you will get the message of the Fathers' love.
I won't go into details but my thoughts are my biggest problem. It seems that no matter what is happening I think a negative thought or look at the situation as less than what it should be. GRRRRR. I really don't like being a bear growling about and scaring people away. Now if I were a Teddy Bear that was cuddly and kind and a comfort to others that would be great! But the past few days I haven't been.
I've been angry...over what, I am not sure I even have a good reason for my anger. I have sought for one, but it only lands on innocent people who have no intentions of provoking me.
I've been sad....mostly that I cannot change things that are going on around me. I also am not the person I want to be, do what I want to do (and earn a living at it), or fulfill the roles of wife, mother, friend and grandmother with the joy and integrity and blessing I want to be in those roles.
I interpret the actions , words, and silences of family and friends and surmise who I am from that, BUT my Heavenly Father has spoken to me this morning. He has told me that He knows my heart. He knows everything about me, and HE alone can judge who I am. The hard part for me is to shut my eyes and ears to those around me and keep my eyes and ears focused on HIM!
So, going with my goal for this year to send God's message, I will close my eyes and ears to the world and open them to my all knowing all loving Father. I hope you will see a change in me and you will get the message of the Fathers' love.
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