An Attitude of Gratitude Is An Action, Not a Cliche

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:5-7)

I have this theory: If I hear something once, it might be a random thing. If I hear it twice, maybe I need to pay attention to it. God might be saying something I need to hear. The third time? No doubt about it. I best listen.

Today, it has all been about gratitude. It can be hard to be grateful when we face challenge after challenge – but that it what God calls us to do.

I’m seeing over and over how I must seek out the positives in my life. My current literary “blessing” is a book study on Alice in Wonderland.

In the book, this exchange occurs.

‘Cheshire Puss,’ [Alice] began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider. ‘Come, it’s pleased so far,’ thought Alice, and she went on. ‘Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?’
‘That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,’ said the Cat.
‘I don’t much care where — ‘ said Alice.
‘Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,’ said the Cat.

The same is true of our attitude. If we want to get to a place of gratitude we must walk in that direction. We will live in the place of negativity if we walk that path. We have our choice of destinations.

As another writer put it, we can “feed” the gratitude inside of us – or we can feed the negativity. It’s up to us.

This season setting goals can be difficult for many of us. It is important to realize that whatever we feed – will grow. We will become more and more positive or, conversely – more and more negative.

God calls us to do everything with thanksgiving.

If you don’t know where to start thanking God, perhaps thanking Him that you are able to read and understand what you are reading right now is a place to begin.

Christ gave His life that you may live and have Him as Lord of your life. That is the ultimate destination.

Chart your course wisely.

About the Author:
Deni Weber believes that the only true way to deal with chronic challenges is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her challenges have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness. deni can be reached at encouragingwords@me.com. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement