Gratitude: “The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”
There have been many times this year when it has been difficult to show gratitude. For many, 2020 has been a year of illness, isolation, financial struggle and uncertainty. And yet, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on what we do have to be grateful for, true thankfulness is an attitude of the heart all year round.
So, how do we live a life of gratitude even in the valleys of life? Keeping perspective.
EVERY DAY IS GIFT
It’s important to bring our focus back to the basics. Every day we wake up is a gift from God. No day is guaranteed, and it’s a beautiful thing to be alive.
Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!”
Even on the worst days (or in the worst of years), the gift of life itself is something for which we can be thankful. Each day has its own troubles and its own joys, but God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
OUR TIMING IS NOT GOD’S TIMING
It’s easy to feel out of control, especially in years like 2020. Maybe you’ve experienced an unplanned pregnancy or are working through a complicated relationship. Maybe your budget has been tight in a time of job loss or shortened hours. Whatever the circumstance, you are not alone. God is a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). You may not be in control, but you don’t have to be. God’s wisdom is beyond what we can even comprehend, and He’s worth trusting.
God tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Through it all, God is with you. As we look back on our lives, He has walked beside us in the deepest valleys and on the darkest days. Even in the moments of grief and sorrow, God’s presence, love and patience is worth an attitude of thankfulness.
May we have a heart that thanks God in all seasons of life, and may our gratitude for God’s love extend beyond the Thanksgiving season.
If you have questions or would like to discuss, we would love to chat! Contact Life’s Choices today. Happy Thanksgiving!