Attitude of Gratitude – Week 4
This week we are wrapping up this little ditty and what a better day than Thanksgiving Day to show an Attitude of Gratitude.
Week one I discussed what it means to be joyful always. While we may not always be able to be happy about everything going on around us we can still choose to find joy in the every day. Week two was all about praying continually and I am so glad I learned more about this verse. Praying continually is not necessarily on your knees head bowed in prayer but more making God present in every thing you do all day long. Week three is probably the hardest for most as sometimes our circumstances give little to be thankful for but we can always, always know that the ultimate thanks we can give to God comes from turning to him no matter our circumstance.
Do you notice the very last part of this verse? All these things are God’s will for us…his WILL y’all. When I first read over this verse I was seriously thinking well geez God that is just a little too much to ask and it really made me feel kind of like a rebellious child not wanting to go the direction my parent was directing me. All these things really are our choice every single day; joy, prayer and thanks. Somedays when our hearts are rebellious we refuse to find the joy in anything and we sure do not show love or grace in situations we are faced. We may even face a circumstance that is so trying all we want to do is blame God and ask why me? These things are God’s will for us because he knows best and he knows only through him can we see the world through a different lens.
Today I made the choice not to see the joy. I did not have the attitude of gratitude I’ve been over here preaching about on this blog. Having family for Thanksgiving and cooking is something I absolutely find joy in but all through the day satan has tried to steer me away from joy. My brother called to say he wasn’t sure they are going to make it because his wife is not feeling well and disappointment set in immediately. My hormones are a little nuts this week and I just don’t think as clearly so just the act of making a list of the things I needed to grab at the store was giving me anxiety. Inevitably I always, always pack more into my hours than is even possible and I end up feeling so frustrated. My mom is here and that sweet thing hand washed all the dirty dishes but of course she didn’t “do it like I do” and instead of finding joy in clean dishes I was feeling overwhelmed. Keith came in, ate the dinner I prepared and promptly planted himself on the couch to watch basketball. I was left feeling unappreciated, frustrated, sad, alone and oh my gosh ridiculous!! What was missing in my day was my focus on Jesus.
As I sat down to write this post I began running through it all and I felt so selfish. Having an attitude of gratitude has no room for selfish. Y’all, I am so joyful all of my babies, Keith and my mom will be here tomorrow regardless of who else shows up. Joyful I was able to go to the store and not think twice about buying all the items to cook way more than we will need tomorrow. So grateful my husband actually made it home from work tonight and planted himself on our couch because I know some are not so lucky.
If nothing else in my 46 years, I have at least learned to recognize when I have totally derailed. There was a time in my life when a day like today could have torn me down for weeks; maybe even helped to ruin a marriage. It is a choice every minute of every day to choose joy and find thanks in our circumstance by turning to God. He is hoping and waiting for us and the peace that comes from knowing that is amazing.
Those of you who have been reading along we thank you so much! Your comments have been so heartwarming. A special thanks to all of you who have linked up with us. You have been an inspiration to us this month!
Wishing you all an amazing Thanksgiving day! Wishing you all the joy that comes from knowing Jesus has your back today!
We would love to hear how you are celebrating an Attitude of Gratitude. Time to link up! Only rule is you only share original content and share with an Attitude of Gratitude! Please show us a little gratitude and link back to our blog.
Happy Thanksgiving Shelly! Thanks for the link up this month.
What an encouraging post! I wish it were easier to have joy in all circumstances but the truth is, that is it work! I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much for linking with us Michelle! Hope you enjoyed a beautiful day with your family.
Then again all good things are worth the work right? Hope you have enjoyed a beautiful day.
the most important part is realizing when you're struggling finding the gratitude and being able to reset that… which you did, and beautifully. It wouldn't be worth it if it was easy.
Happy thanksgiving.
xo
Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy
I totally agree Shaunacey. I think every time I fail is just another chance to grow. I'm doing a little advent study this month and this morning I read you will be experienced as a blessing to the extent you have first experienced yourself as blessed. Isn't that so true? So many years I had no clue how blessed I was.
I'm grateful for both of you! I've been a terrible blogger/blog friend lately and slacked on posting and reading. I loved coming here and being remind to be grateful for the big and small and reminded that His will is greater than my own. Thanks friend!
Love this Shelly….I have to bookmark this! Jesus having my back…I like that you put it that way! Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving!
I love this and really needed to hear it because the past two days have been "off" days for me. I love what you said about praying continuously and how it means to make God present in everything you do. Thanks for being so honest. Found you through the Grateful Heart Linkup!