So. I've been learning about gratefulness. Again. A woman, a single mom, who has every right to complain and to be depressed, who has what I would describe as a difficult, challenging, and hard life, who has more responsibilities than a world leader, has been my teacher. Seriously. She defines the term, "free spirit." I've come to realize the stuff she is faced with is just that, stuff. She's sincerely grateful for her life and all God has entrusted her with. And, she’s free from the weight of the pressures of daily living. As we’ve talked, she told me one of things that has continued to help her was to keep a gratefulness journal. She thanked me for suggesting it. Apparently, she took it more seriously than I have because in all honesty I occasionally enjoy a good ranting moment about some of the details of the day. And, seriously, I could do some ranting on her behalf because of what she faces
Gratefulness is not based on circumstances; gratefulness is a state of being; gratefulness is a realization that life is a gift from God. It's when you're able to appreciate each day without grading it as good or bad. It's when you realize God is constantly at work on your behalf with never-ending love. Gratefulness is trusting God to make all things new. Gratefulness is intertwined with peace and contentment, a distinctive aspect of health and wholeness, changing the dynamics of the way we live.
Consider.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:15b, NLT).
There seems to be almost a P.S. before the Apostle Paul was actually done writing his letter to the Colossians with the words, “and always be thankful.” When these words are studied in context, it’s clear this is a command, it’s part of the calling, it’s the way to live. We’re not told to wait until all the details of life are smoothed out, until all the hard stuff disappears, until things go our way, but to be thankful now and always. It’s an ongoing present tense command. To be grateful, to live freely, we are to be thankful.
So.
Develop a life of gratefulness.
Live free from the pressures of the stuff of life.
Pay attention to the gift of life.
Take time-out to intentionally give thanks--stop, breathe, and thank God for the gift of the day.
P.S. And always be thankful.
Learning to Kickstart the day being grateful,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
The thing is . . . being grateful is a huge part of the healing process . . . which enables us to live free from the pressures of the day, requiring us to intentionally pay attention to the gift of life, trusting God to be God.
Gratefulness is not based on circumstances; gratefulness is a state of being; gratefulness is a realization that life is a gift from God. It's when you're able to appreciate each day without grading it as good or bad. It's when you realize God is constantly at work on your behalf with never-ending love. Gratefulness is trusting God to make all things new. Gratefulness is intertwined with peace and contentment, a distinctive aspect of health and wholeness, changing the dynamics of the way we live.
Consider.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:15b, NLT).
There seems to be almost a P.S. before the Apostle Paul was actually done writing his letter to the Colossians with the words, “and always be thankful.” When these words are studied in context, it’s clear this is a command, it’s part of the calling, it’s the way to live. We’re not told to wait until all the details of life are smoothed out, until all the hard stuff disappears, until things go our way, but to be thankful now and always. It’s an ongoing present tense command. To be grateful, to live freely, we are to be thankful.
So.
Develop a life of gratefulness.
Live free from the pressures of the stuff of life.
Pay attention to the gift of life.
Take time-out to intentionally give thanks--stop, breathe, and thank God for the gift of the day.
P.S. And always be thankful.
Learning to Kickstart the day being grateful,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)