What does gratitude mean to you? Among dictionary definitions are: appreciation of benefits received, feeling or showing thanks, expressing thankfulness.
Gratitude doesn’t just happen. In a world where people are more likely to find fault, criticize, notice imperfections, and express annoyance, gratitude is an attitude that must be intentionally cultivated. Those who learn to experience the gift of gratitude gain a greater understanding of blessings and benefits.
Following are thoughts on how gratitude reshapes us:
Gratitude Shifts Focus to Positives
We all know those who are complainers. Their natural bent is toward seeing negatives and pointing them out. However, gratefulness shifts focus to all that is right, rather than what is perceived as lacking. Seeing life’s positives, and openly expressing thanks for them, trains your brain to notice what is good first. Gratitude adjusts perspectives and elevates perception.
Gratitude Initiates Forward Motion
Many times, when we are mired in a season of difficulty, forward motion halts. It is hard to move forward when burdened by illness, loss, or grief. But the ability to see blessings during hardship, and give thanks for them, initiates forward motion. Your steps may be halting, but each effort helps to move you beyond the quagmire of sorrow or feelings of defeat.
Gratitude Shapes Motivation
Have you ever stopped to consider your motivation for actions? Are you hoping to garner praise, find acceptance, or self-elevate? Gratitude shapes motivation by helping us realize we are already blessed beyond measure. We have more than we need to live happy, fulfilled lives. Once we recognize this, motivation shifts outward. Selfish desires fall away as gratitude motivates us toward generosity, love, and kindness.
Gratitude Recognizes Grace
I’m sure you know those who have broken relationships with family or friends. Perhaps you are one for whom a relationship rift has occurred. Sometimes, relationships are never mended because neither party is willing to forgive and extend grace. Each side is waiting for an apology or admission of wrongdoing. In failing to recognize the need to model God-given grace, we rob ourselves of restoration and peace.
This Thanksgiving, will you allow gratitude to reshape your focus, perspective, or motivation and extend grace to those whom you feel are undeserving?
“Oh, how grateful and thankful I am to the Lord because he is so good. I will sing praise to the name of the Lord who is above all lords” (Psalm 7:17 TLB).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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