Happy November, Friends!
How is it November already? This year seems to have flown by.
How are you doing with your Gratitude and Scripture Journaling this year? I’d love to hear from you.
This year we have been focusing on gratitude and all it entails. This month, we’ll focus on Tips for Developing an Attitude of Gratitude.
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It seems fitting that we focus on tips for developing an attitude of gratitude with Thanksgiving being this month. However, an attitude of gratitude should be a lifestyle rather than an expression made during a certain season of the year.
The season of Thanksgiving is upon us. In fact, it is one of my favorite holidays. I enjoy reminiscing over the events of the year and all the things for which I have to be thankful.
Have you ever stopped to notice how easy it is to have a negative mindset rather than a positive one? Do you have certain friends or coworkers that seem to always see the glass as half empty rather than half full?
Gratitude is a powerful way to show appreciation for family and friends who have always been there for you, and a simple “thank you” can make someone feel appreciated. It takes effort to foster an attitude of gratitude.
Practicing gratitude on a regular basis enables you to appreciate life beyond its challenges, recognize that it is more than individual events or relationships, and it promotes a sense of happiness.
Below are a few ways you can cultivate an “Attitude of Gratitude” that will help to improve your outlook on life:
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Develop the habit of saying “thank you”
Saying “thank you” when someone does something for you helps to demonstrate your appreciation for their effort, kindness, and time. This in turn helps to strengthen relationships, foster goodwill, and make the person feel valued and acknowledged for their actions. Whether it’s the waitress who serves you, the cab driver who takes you home, or even the random person who opens the door for you at the store, make it a habit to genuinely thank (with a grin) everyone who does something for you.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:5-18
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Keep a gratitude journal
Keeping a gratitude journal can be of great benefit. It can be a tool to help you focus on the positive aspects of life. It enables you to remember the blessings in life that may be obscured with pain and discomfort. Regularly writing and expressing gratitude will help you to become stronger and more resilient in managing the challenges of life. By reminding us of the many amazing things and people in our lives that make them rich and worthwhile, it improves our quality of life.
Throughout Scripture, God specifically asked people to write things down. Our brains and written words have an intriguing connection. In fact, handwriting improves our memory.
18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: 20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel. Deuteronomy 17:17-20
And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2:2
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Be mindful of your blessings
It is unclear of the exact origins of the phrase “stop and smell the roses,” but it is well known to most of us. Why don’t we take it literally? Let’s not just take time out of our busy schedules to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of life. Don’t only take in the beauty of your surroundings; actively perceive it and keep it in mind. Allow the splendor of the fall foliage to captivate you. Fall in love with the scents of festive cuisine and the glimmer of the holiday lights that will soon be visible. You will discover the richness of life and feel grateful if you just take time to enjoy it.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:1-2
I’m reminded of the hymn “Count Your Blessings Name Them One By One.” It was written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. in 1897. The hymn’s message is that God has given us multiple blessings regardless of the challenges or hardships life may throw at us.
Song: Count Your Blessings
Verse 1: When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Chorus: Count your many blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God hath done, Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Verse 2: Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by.
Verse 3: When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings-money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Verse 4: So, amid the conflict whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
The Attitude of Gratitude Challenge
Being grateful is a choice, regardless of whether you are happy with your life as it is or wish it were otherwise.
If you find it difficult to believe that having an attitude of gratitude can make a difference in your life, try challenging yourself to cultivate gratitude for a week. Give thanks to the Lord for three things in your life before you get up in the morning. Acknowledge and express your appreciation for other people’s qualities and kindness throughout the day. As the sun sets, say a prayer of thanksgiving for three difficulties you are facing.
After a week, take a moment to see if you’re noticing a difference. If you are, continue trying it for a month. It takes about 21 days to create a good habit.
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I pray that this month as you journal God’s blessings you will feel His presence in every aspect of your life and that you will remain aware of His presence throughout the month.
You can download a copy of the monthly Journaling Scripture Plan here:
https://charitymaeprosper.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/JS.November.pdf
References:
- Life Application Study Bible: King James Version. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2004. Print
- Henry, Matthew, 1662-1714. (1991). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible : wherein each chapter is summed up in its contents: the sacred text inserted at large in distinct paragraphs; each paragraph reduced to its proper heads: the sense given, and largely illustrated with practical remarks and observations. Peabody, Mass. :Hendrickson Publishers
- Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (10th ed.). (1999). Merriam-Webster Incorporated
- https://enduringword.com/#commentary
- https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-gratitude/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stonewall-strong/202111/five-ways-to-cultivate-an-attitude-of-gratitude
- https://inspiringtips.com/ways-to-develop-an-attitude-of-gratitude
- https://blog.calm.com/blog/attitude-of-gratitude
- https://get.tithe.ly/blog/gratitude-in-the-bible-give-thanks-with-a-grateful-heart
- https://pushpay.com/blog/20-bible-verses-on-gratitude-and-thanksgiving
- https://www.mrsmollywilcox.com/post/what-does-the-bible-say-about-writing
