I believe that having a thankful heart is a choice. It has very little, really nothing, to do with any of your life situation. A new car, bigger house, different job, less stress, better kids, nicer in-laws, sportive spouse or really anything will not make you have a thankful heart. It won’t even make is easier to be thankful. It is all a choice.
Wow, that’s kinda a harsh way to start the week, but it’s true. If you stop and think about it about the people around you, you know I’m right. We all know someone who seems to have it all. The nice car, the big house, and they still aren’t thankful for what they have or even happy. Then you meet someone walking down the road, on a cold January day gas can in hand and a smile on their face. Gratefully commenting on the warmth of the sun on their face.
I have a good life. No “but” or “however” to follow that up with. I just do. I have a good life. Even so, in the last few months I have struggled to be thankful for who and what I have in my life. At the family Christmas party instead of enjoying the family that was sitting all around me I was consumed by the sadness of loss for the one that wasn’t there. Over and over I find myself frustrated by situations I have no control over. (I’m the mother of 5 small children, I’m not sure I ever have and real control.)
In the next few weeks I am going to try to focus on choosing to have a thankful heart. This situations that frustrate me are not going to change, but how I react to them can. I can choose not dwell on the truth that my youngest son will never know his grandfather. Instead be thankful for all the memories and stories I have to tell him as he get older.
Having a thankful heart may not change anything in your life, but it might change a lot. Try it with me, for the next week everyday make a list of 5 things you are thankful for.
It might surprise you and it might change you.
You are so right. We have all got really good lives in our family. I will try it with you