We all have daily routines or practices, some helpful and some harmful. For example, eating a healthy breakfast is helpful, but consistently sleeping five hours nightly is harmful. Both practices will impact the quality of our lives. I want to propose a practice that will deliver powerful benefits, with no possibility of harm – daily gratitude.
Gratitude is defined as “a strong feeling of appreciation to someone or something.” Philosophers, religious leaders, psychologists, and scientists have long recognized the importance of gratitude; but now it is touted by motivational speakers like Oprah Winfrey, Tony Robbins, and Iyanla Vanzant. Why? Because a grateful heart provides multiple, rich, and unexpected benefits.
The website, www.happierhumans.com, posted an article entitled “The 31 Benefits of Gratitude You Didn’t Know About: How Gratitude Can Change Your Life.” Several of the benefits listed are:
- Emotional – less envious, more resilient, happier memories.
- Social – kinder, deeper relationships, healthier marriage.
- Career – increased productivity, improved networking, goal achievement.
- Health – improved sleep, increased energy, longevity.
When we are grateful “thank you” overflows our hearts and through our lips. The Bible encourages us to express gratitude with thanksgiving:
Psalm 118:24 – This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Ephesians 1:16 – I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Psalm 136:1 – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
I recommend developing a grateful heart for 2019; or maintaining this practice if you are already a practitioner. This would be a rewarding New Year’s resolution that is worth keeping all year. To reap lasting benefits, record why you are thankful. Gratitude journals can be purchased from any book store. There are also digital journals such as www.thnx4.org,“an online shareable gratitude journal,” and printable journal templates like http://www.mercyisnew.com/wp-content/uploads/Grateful-Journal-PDF.pdf.
You may be hesitant to start a gratitude journal as your New Year’s resolution because it will be one more thing to add to your already busy life. But maybe you can identify with Pastor Karen Jethro’s Facebook post, “I don’t know if I have the mental energy to reflect over 2018. I’m just going to be thankful for today.” I feel the same way too. Whether you can write it down or just speak it, expressing gratitude for God, our families, and life itself will reap untold benefits in every area of our lives.
What has been your experience with the attitude of gratitude? Share your wisdom with us.
#join the conversation.
It’s so easy to take things such as health and career for granted when you consider “being” grateful. Daily we wake and say thank you Lord for another day another chance another opportunity to “get it right” or to please you. Those words flow so easily from MY mouth until it’s really time to have an attitude of gratitude. It’s so much more than just a word it’s a lifestyle choice. Thank you Dr. Haire for this one.
Mendola, you are so right that gratitude is a lifestyle choice. Wise words.
Thank you so much for this excerpt. It gives individuals a lot to think about! I believe It is extremely important to manifest your hardships and not be worrysome of the negative aspects that have been displayed. We often times tend to shy away from our past due to embarrassment of what others think, not realizing that God created us perfectly and our journey was specifically for US. Even though I have many goals set for myself this year, my journey made me who I am today and for that I am overwhelmingly grateful!
Lia, your attitude of gratitude will serve as the energy needed to reach the goals you have set for yourself.
Thanks Dr. Dorothy. We’ve decided to start gratitude jars in our church, this year, in an effort to keep our attitude of gratitude before us. I too agree with Pastor Karen. I am hoping this will assist in making the memories of 2019 last.
Thank you, Pastor McCoo, for sharing the idea of gratitude jars. I think you are right. This practice will assist in making the memories of 2019 last.
This is very timely. I know we tend to be grateful for the positive things that happen to us but i have been thinking a lot lately about my mistakes that cause me to learn and grow.
It is a spiritually mature person who can grow from his mistakes. I am godly proud of you.
Thank you Dr Haire for this message on Gratitude when so much around us is negative and people are showing less appreciation and kindness to one another. I am truly grateful for the many blessings God has given me and the people in my life that truly show me love and kindness. I purpose in 2019 to show more gratitude and kindness because that is who we are as belonging to God.
Amen, Pastor Boyd. If more people joined you in purposing to show more gratitude and kindness in 2019 our world would be a better place.
I haven’t always had an attitude of gratitude. I used to take things for granted, but the Lord corrected me. I’m learning that “Thank You” goes a long way with the Lord. Each and everyday there’s always something that can bring forth an expression of gratitude to the Lord.
I agree with you O. Harris. A “thank you Jesus” goes a long way in heaven.