More Gratitude, Less Stinky Attitude

Happy Saturday morning, friends! As I was sitting here doing some brainstorming I was also attempting to upload a photo to give you a visual of today’s workspace. After 3 failed attempts and a frozen screen I heard, The words are more important than the photo. Put the words on paper child.

Yes, Abba.

I’m not gonna lie, I was getting really frustrated. LIKE REALLY FRUSTRATED. Stupid technology. And honestly, frustration has been my go-to emotion lately. Frustrated that the house isn’t clean, frustrated that I can’t accomplish everything I have set in a week, frustrated that the dogs keep barking, frustrated that the kids won’t listen, and frankly I am frustrated that supper just won’t cook itself. All of this “technology” and I can’t get supper that cooks itself?? Pitiful.

That list of junk is exactly why God has brought me into a season of gratitude. I have been so focused on the to-do’s and have-to’s of life that I am missing out on the joys and blessings of the right now.

About a week ago I was at Barnes and Noble (best smelling store ever, like books, millions of books) because the girls had asked for a new book. Side note: books are not something I say no to, though I do filter the content they read. Anyway, Katie and I are over looking at the devotions because that is what she wanted. As we perused the Christian section, I found a book that read The Weekly Gratitude Project. I picked it up, glanced at the inside, set it back down and continued to help sis. But I could not get that book off my heart. After helping Katie pick out the devotional she wanted, I stood still for a moment and turned to God, “If you are bringing me into a new season, show me where I need to be.”

Gratitude, my love. You need to focus your energy on gratitude.

Again, yes Abba.

As I did some self reflection, God was exactly right (obviously). I worry about the next best thing, the farmhouse style craze, the bathroom updates, the clothes I wear, the way my kids look, and heaven knows what else, all out of fear of judgement from others. When what I need to be doing is offering continuous thanks for what my family and I have been blessed with. I have an amazing and loving family and friends circle, a home that is well lived-in and peaceful, a good career and the opportunity to honor God in it, the ability to provide for my kids, and a Father who loves me unconditionally.

WHY AM I WORRIED ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE??

God revealed Romans 12:2 to me in a new light, a light of gratitude. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Be in the world, not of it. We all know this in our minds, but do we know it in our hearts? God showed me 5 areas where an attitude of gratitude needs applied in my life. I want to share them with you.

1. Find gratitude in everything, even the hardships. James 1:2-4. In my frustrations it is hard to be thankful. The gratitude comes in the lessons God reveals to us in our hardships. Count it ALL joy.
2. Seek the servanthood in others. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18. Seek to do good. Seek to see the good. And give thanks for all of it. Sometimes it’s hard to see the good in others when we focus on physical, or even personality, attributes and faults. We must examine the heart, ours and others. See the servanthood in the people around you and don’t let the humanness get in the way.
3. Stand grateful in the gap. Philippians 4:6-7. We either experience hardships or know someone who is. In those times, it can be so hard to pray and give thanks. Stand in the gap with your sister. Pray for her in and with thanksgiving.
4. Be thankful in opportunity. Romans 12:9-21. We learn the marks of a true Christian through these verses. We are blessed with opportunities DAILY to be able to express love for one another, honor, and joy. ESPECIALLY NOW. We are in unprecedented times, and we are called to love the unlovable, not stand in selfish pride.
5. Rejoice in every moment. Psalm 118:24. If we focus on the to-do’s of tomorrows, we miss the blessings of the right-now’s. God made EVERY DAY, not just the tomorrows. Each one is a gift, a gift to be thankful for.

I don’t know where you’re at on your gratitude journey, or if you are even on one. Your season may be very different. But you know what? That season is still one to be THANKFUL for. I know I am changing in my gratitude walk daily. And it takes a constant reminder from the Holy Spirit not to get lost in frustration.

Feed Yourself, Girl! with joy and gratitude. I hope you can be thankful for the rainbows through the rain, and grateful for the right-now’s.

Love you.