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Our character is often formed by the lens we choose to see our lives through. One person endures unspeakable suffering and difficulty yet is able to emerge with an inspirational story of hope and seeing life as a gift. Another person appears to have every opportunity and gift in the world, and yet can only see their life as struggle. What is the difference between these two people? So often it is based on what we are placing our focus on. Do we have our eyes open to the gift of life, of love, and of the grace of God? Or do we focus on the negative things in life. I know for many of us, especially with complex trauma, it is is not as simple as turning an “attitude switch” on and off in our minds and bodies. Nevertheless, the perspective we approach life with will guide how we experience it.
As we approach this season, we are reminded that the practice of gratitude forms our minds, hearts and lives in powerful ways. Scripture tells us that thankfulness leads to a path of personal peace when it says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).” The Bible tells us that practicing gratitude is closely related to a sense of feeling loved when it says in several Psalms when it says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever” (Psalms 100, 107, 118 et al).
Let me share an example. A few years ago, it was easy to get frustrated that we had less immediacy to the goods we want because of supply chain issues. Yet, then and now, we may live in a place where we have large grocery stores which may be short of our favorite foods from time to time, but have food none the less, and if we cannot afford groceries we have food banks, free school lunches, and sometimes churches that give away meals and more. Is this a perfect system? No. But if we have the resources to have food to eat it might be better to be grateful for the gifts we have instead of complaining that the shredded cheese we like is sold out and we might have to have to get block cheese and shred it ourselves.
Gratitude takes discipline. Some of us are in a habit of focusing on problems instead of blessings, and a great day is often destroyed by a moment of frustration. Take time to choose an attitude of gratitude. Start a gratitude journal. Go for a walk thank God for at least 10 things you are grateful for. Choose to see life as a gift and savor every moment of it. You won’t regret it.
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