GRATITUDE

God is good!
and i'm grateful for Him, and all He's done for me. but i now realize that my gratitude really has nothing to do with circumstances. it has nothing to do with God answering prayer, or providing, or blessing me. i realize i can complain and be ungrateful even when i am so blessed. example: when i got my job, i totally wasn't thankful. even though i had prayed for it for months, i wasn't grateful. somehow, i managed to focus on the bad.

so circumstances, blessings, gifts from God don't cause me to be grateful. gratitude has to do with choice, with my attitude. i can CHOOSE to be grateful, no matter what circumstance i'm in. i can CHOOSE to focus on what God HAS done for me, and what He HAS given me, instead of what i don't have, or what i want.

and you know what? having an attitude of gratitude does an amazing thing in one's life.

today was my first day at work. one of my co-workers was very impatient with me this morning (because i had so many questions, because i was so confused). that could have caused me to start complaining. but i chose to stay thankful. after i talked to her during lunchtime, she didn't seem so bad or mad after all. but work was really good. it's definately an excellent opportunity for me to learn about the industry.

and you know what else? the company has a cook! she cooked chinese food for everyone for lunch! i was soooooooo grateful for that. now that me and dan have to cook for ourselves, i’m ALWAYS grateful when someone else cooks for me. it’s such a blessing. (those of you who live at home, be thankful)

anyways - today i'm determined to continue to practise gratitude. cuz it doesn't come naturally to me. i must choose it, even when it's difficult. and to practise, i want to spend more time thanking God during prayer. instead of asking for things all the time, i'll thank Him for things.


Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
~1 Thes 5:16-18~