Gratitude Leads to a Place of Peace

As we approach Thanksgiving, it obviously comes to one's mind that this is a perfect time to slow down and reflect on the gratitude, not just in times of abundance, but in every mundane, frustrating, and even heart wrenching moment we encounter. How do we do that? Okay, the secret to living in a place of gratitude is seeking out and embracing the good things. Even though I'm very aware of how hard it is. It's even more important to find blessings in the difficult times we're in, and that is a learned skill not something that comes naturally to us. It certainly does not come naturally for me.

Psalm 116:7 - Here's Some Inspiration For Ya

Psalm 116:7 says, "Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." This remarkable verse reminds me of the importance of finding peace in gratitude. Ask anyone who knows me, I strive to perpetually live in a place called Peace...peace that only Jesus gives mind you. The Psalm, presumably written by David, is him talking, praying, to God. David faced some horrific times. He was hunted by his own father-in-law King Saul. He was run out of his home town and had to lived in a cave for a while. Life was filled with turmoil at times for this guy, but instead of drowning in his sorrow. Or as my momma always said, "Wallowing in his self pity," he thanks God for delivering him out of his afflictions. It's not certain whether David wrote this while he was in this situation or reflecting on what God had done for him, but it's clear he knows that things are not always roses and rainbows. And, inspite of those trials he went through, he tells God how much he appreciates Him and the blessings He has bestowed upon him. This psalm resonates personally with me. It beckons me to remember my own afflictions that God has gotten me through, healed me from, and has created great blessings out of.

Cultivate Gratefulness in Your Heart

Now, cultivating gratitude begins with a conscious decision to actually look for the things to be grateful for. You have to purposefully choose to:

1. Be Mindful of the Moment: Being present in the moment and appreciating the now. Jesus tells us to do this in Matthew 6:34. It's true! Go read it for yourself.

2. Reflect on What's Good: Regularly reflect on the things you're thankful for. There is a Bible verse that always comes to mind and helps me know what to focus my thoughts on. Things that are good, just, lovely and praise worthy are just to name a few. Philippians 4:8. Go look it up. 😉

3. Expression: Actively expressing your gratitude, whether through prayer (chit chats with God), journaling, or sharing it with others. It's contagious ya know! You can find that in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18.

Live in Your Gratitude

Maintaining a grateful heart requires practice and putting your head to it purposefully. It's about recognizing the blessings in our lives constantly. I know it's easy to do when the road is smooth and the county has maintained it, but you gotta work at finding blessings when the potholes hit and the road is all rough and the ride is not as pleasant. These three things help me to maintain my residency in Gratitude:

1. Practice, Practice, Practice: Make gratitude a daily habit. Habits are formed by choosing to do something over and over until it becomes 2nd nature. Being grateful is not something we're born with folks. It's a skill you learn and develop the more you do it.

2. Shift Your Focus: Focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack. I use to whine to God, "Why is this happening to me?" However, I learned to ask,"what do you want me to get out of this Lord?" That focus shift not only changed my viewpoint from victim to student, but it gave me empowerment in my situation. Rather than feeling like I was losing something or being picked on by the world, I was given eyes to see the blessings and lessons that God had for me in my difficulties, and in the things that didn't go as I planned.

3. Be Involved With People Around You: Sharing our good stuff with others, thereby spreading joy and kindness. Look for opportunities to serve others. Grow a servant's heart. Do it joyfully! There is an old saying I try to live by from Teddy Roosevelt, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." We all want to know how much we are cared for. Doing for others is the greatest way to show it. You will receive so much more in return if you do it without expectations of anything. Let yourself be surprised.

If you intentionally target your mind on things like this you will reside in that place of gratitude. I've heard it called eucharisteo (pronounced yoo-khar-is-teh'-o), as it is said in Greek, it's a place of gratitude. I was amazed when I learned you can actually live in Eucharisteo. I'm a resident now and am thankful that the Lord lead me there.

Gratitude, Peace, and Joy: An Inseparable Trio

Intentionally remaining in that place of gratitude brings the guests of peace and joy to your door step. They aren't there for a short visit either. Nope, they want to move into your heart, put up curtains, decorate the walls, and be a constant source of strength and comfort to you. No matter what life throws at you.

A Ripple Effect of Blessings

So, living in the place of gratitude brings joy and with it peace. Peace within is not something you can contain; no it just keeps growing until eventually it overflows and your heart longs to bless others. That's how God designed it. The more God given peace you have, the more you want to share it with others. Living with peace changes your heart from desiring to serve yourself to desiring to serve others. It's a beautiful cycle where our grateful heart's mission is to bless others, creating a ripple effect of love in action that can spread beyond boundaries that can't even be imagined.

A Call to Action This Thanksgiving

As we enter this holiday season, I challenge you to a scavenger hunt. Starting today and each day for the rest of the year. Seek out things to be grateful for. Thank God for everything He has done, is doing, or has planned for you. Take the time to thank Him for all things He has blessed you with. I bet you a piece of pumpkin pie that you can't find what He has blessed in the frustrating, or diffult stuff that hits you! Go ahead, I double dog dare you to actively look for opportunities to bless others! Then grab a cup a hot cocoa, sit back, and just watch how those acts of kindness will gift you comin' back round. Simply because you chose to drop a pebble in the pool of kindness and that started a ripple of gratitude and joy.

My Prayer of Blessings For You Friend 🙏

May every moment of this Thanksgiving week be a time of reflection and joy for you and your loved ones. May you and yours be blessed with the ultimate gift you can give this season, a lifetime citizenship to Eukaristio and may peace and joy come to live permanently with you and your loved ones. May your heart and home be filled so abundantly with blessings of peace, joy, and love that you have to pour it out to others.

May God continue to bless you, and may you embrace each blessing and share them all around.

I'm Grateful For You,

Heather🥰