It has the power to overcome other forces at play in our lives the way that nothing else can. Gratitude fights anger in our lives. It counteracts discontent. It redirects self-pity. It offers perspective on relational issues. It staves off loneliness. It transforms negative thoughts. It challenges anxiety.
Gratitude, and not our circumstances, is the difference between a good day and a bad day. For it is a thankful heart that alters our perspective.
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him,
rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,
which depends on human tradition and the elementary principles of this world rather than on Christ."
Colossians 2:6-8
How appropriate it is that the human tradition of focusing on what irks us, angers us, frustrates us and on what we do not have is called "hollow and deceptive philosophy". An "elementary principle of the world". Gratitude focuses on Christ.
I know that the Thanksgiving holiday is only celebrated in North America, and historically has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. But for me, Thanksgiving is the beginning of Advent. A whole holiday weekend centered around thankfulness is a wonderful invitation to cultivate a heart overflowing with gratitude,... right before we enter chaotic December and all of the holiday extras. With a heart full of thanks it is hard to feel as bogged down by the schedules and lists and stresses of the season.
I know that the Thanksgiving holiday is only celebrated in North America, and historically has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. But for me, Thanksgiving is the beginning of Advent. A whole holiday weekend centered around thankfulness is a wonderful invitation to cultivate a heart overflowing with gratitude,... right before we enter chaotic December and all of the holiday extras. With a heart full of thanks it is hard to feel as bogged down by the schedules and lists and stresses of the season.
May gratitude be the most powerful force at work in your life this season of Advent!
With faces like these around, what is there not to be thankful for?!
Hi Mrs. Negard,
ReplyDeleteIf you don't mind me asking I would be really grateful if you could tell me what type of camera you have? I just love the quality of the images you always post.
Thank you,
Hi Maria! I use a Nikon D40, which a model of SLR camera I don't believe they are making anymore. At the time that we bought it, it was the most affordable SLR available on the market. It is so much easier to take pictures of children with a camera that has a fast shutter speed!
ReplyDeleteAm trying yet again to leave a message. Are you receiving this? Fabulous pictures.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Mom! You finally did it! You officially know how to leave comments now :)
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