On Being Grateful

simply being thankful makes life easier
Art Print Typography by Janeane Wilbur


If one is not grateful and thankful for what blessings life has already bestowed upon them, how can you have room for more blessings? Embrace the goodness around you. – Janeane Wilbur 

A few weeks into this “being positive”, I can say that life is more pleasant. This includes being more grateful to even the smallest or simplest things I experience every single day. I have always believed in the Power of Thank You so I try to say ‘thanks’ as much as possible. It’s a habit that I want my son to have too. When he does say ‘Thank you’, my heart melts.

I am not selfish in extending gratitude especially to those people whom I know have gone great lengths to give me something or do me a special favor so I get disappointed when people I love and care for aren’t as grateful. Oftentimes, there are people who forget to say ‘thank you’.And more often that not, I get ashamed of myself asking them. But what can I do, I want to hear if indeed help was received. Who knows, it might have gone to somebody else’s hands. Is this normal? Or am I too self-serving that I want to be acknowledged? I don’t know.

All I know is that I want to have a Heart of Gratitude. They say it’s a quality of the heart. I just know too that it’s part of God’s will for us to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for

I am learning to find joy in every circumstance. Despite problems and challenges, I try to look into the good side of things. It’s easy to complain and rant all the time but it can be stressful. You can choose to be positive and let go. There are things and people you really can’t control on your own. I had a paradigm shift, allowing me to see through rose-colored glasses.

I’d like to leave that ‘hateful’ side of me. It’s been a struggle but so far, so good. By God’s grace.

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

That and being more thankful to the many blessings. Focusing on the blessings, disregarding the sufferings. (Although you really can’t ignore arrogance and injustice.) Ever since I decided to look at the brighter side of things, I’ve become happier and less prone to anger.

There are so many things to be grateful for. I wish to list down all the recent things I received, recent experiences both good and bad, lessons I learned, or the new people I’ve met, but I’m afraid I might not stop. But let me say, “Thank You God for Your Love.”

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

 

6 thoughts on “On Being Grateful

  1. To be grateful and thankful for all the blessings we receive everyday is one practice we should never forget and I quote in Tagalog:

    “Ang hindi marunong magpasalamat ay walang karapatang tumanggap”

    GOD never fails to give us what we need and we should always count our blessings instead of complaining why we don’t receive what we want in life.

  2. I just read the book “Heaven is for Real” and it made quite an impact in my life. There’s always something to be thankful everyday, because living in this world is already considered to be a miracle of sorts 🙂

  3. Oh I totally agree. Far too many people fall into the trap of constantly complaining and just not getting anywhere in the end. There are so many good things in our lives that are worth celebrating.

  4. Amen and amen!! Being thankful is underrated! When I am reminded of who I was before Christ and now that He has opened my eyes to His wondrous love I lose the feeling of entitlement and end up being grateful for everything! Very good post, I feel blessed. Thank you Rhea!

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