As a new month begins I am embracing the choices I have made from Jan through until now and making a fresh choice. This month it is… Gratitude.
I have begun to understand the importance of gratitude in a new way in my life. I have been brought up to appreciate and say thank you for the things I have as many of us have but I am beginning to see that this it can be a lifestyle choice.
Living with an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ changes everything!
As I see it you can apply this ‘attitude of gratitude’ all the time. As I am on my way to work in the morning in what can be a challenging environment I am telling God how thankful I am that He placed me where I am and for the opportunity He has given me to shape the lives of the young people I have the privilege of working with. This can be the same for all of us in whatever sphere of influence the Father has placed us in.
I believe it starts with a shift of ‘mind-set’ which is something we talk about all the time in education, in fact, we need more of a ‘growth mind-set‘ to start seeing things in a different way. Dare I suggest this idea isn’t new but was God’s idea in the first place, see Rom 12:2
‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will’.
Once we start to think in a different way and instead of complaining about our circumstances start being thankful for the opportunities that they offer us to shine light into them. We begin to see ‘solutions’ to problems as we see them as opportunities and not just something to be endured. As we partner with God and talk to Him about those problems at work, in the family, in friendships and marriages, He will offer solutions to problems and give us the Holy Spirit power and strength to carry them out.
As we live out this ‘attitude of gratitude‘ we are simply letting God shine out of us and this attitude just like joy, hope and encouragement becomes ‘contagious‘ to those around us. Again the bible teaches us about this, ‘Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus’. 1 Thess 5:16-18 Message Version.
As we offer thanks it has a dual effect as it brings us into a closer relationship with the Father, ‘God inhabits the praises of His people’. Psalm 22:3 and it shifts the atmosphere in us and around us, that not only affects us and the choices we make but those in the environment. It’s a win-win!
How are you going to change your mind-set today? What are you going to be grateful for?
I challenge you to be an ‘atmosphere shifter’ and a ‘culture changer’ in your sphere of influence (check out my previous blog ‘The Ripple Effect‘) in your workplace, school, family, friendship group and church!
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