Thankfulness = joy
It's just true.
When I take the time to reflect on what I'm thankful for, I'm so much more joyful -- even if I'm sad.
When someone has a grumpy, complaining attitude, it's not pleasant for others around them -- or for themselves!
I find that when I focus on all of the bad things going on in my life...I'm so much less fun to be around and so much less happy.
There is someone who I know that makes thankful notes every single day. It's a great practice for being thankful even when you have a bad day!
I decided to try to do the same thing. Everyday, I'll write in my journal at least one thing that I'm thankful for. It could be anything! Maybe a good friend, a good book, the rain, an opportunity to spend time with my family...anything!
But when it seems like everything is going wrong...how can you be grateful?
There is always something to be thankful for!
Yep, I said it.
In James 1:2-4, James says to consider it pure joy when you go through trials of many kinds.
Why?
Because --I'm paraphrasing here-- struggles make us stronger. And it's so true. When God takes us through storms of life, he's teaching us something. And it's going to make us stronger. And I've realized that through so many different trials in my life. Even when I can't see it at the moment, I realize it later on. So consider it pure joy.
I'd like to challenge all of you to the same that I'm doing -- for thirty days, write down at least one thing that you're thankful for each day.
September is about to start in a few days, and that will be a great chance to start this challenge!
Now, I would love to hear from you!
- Will you be taking the challenge?
- What is something that you are thankful for today?