An Attitude of Gratitude

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”

– Zig Ziglar

Gratitude and thankfulness are often used interchangeably. Thankfulness is primarily an emotion that recognizes the actions of others. It is an internal feeling. It is very healthy when we can direct our emotions to be internally thankful toward God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in everything:

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” 

Gratitude is an attitude! Instead of just being a feeling, it is an attitude of appreciation that we can choose in any circumstance.  Gratitude is a positive response to God’s grace and goodness. It is a disposition towards appreciating our lives, even with all the ups and downs. The best way to be is thankful and grateful at the same time.

A few years ago, we replaced the roof on our home. Last summer, we had heavy rain, and the roof sprang a leak. The ceiling was bulging, holding water, and small droplets were dripping on the items beneath it. I ran to get a large pan and placed it under the soggy ceiling, and George climbed the ladder to puncture the water bulge. If I had not found the leak in the closet, it could have been disastrous. 

After securing the situation, I had time to think about what the Lord had just done. I had not planned to go into that closet, but out of the blue, I thought of something I wanted to look for. I was grateful the Lord had nudged me to go at that time. I began to think of all the things I take for granted. As I contemplated the roof issue, I was grateful to have a roof over my head when many people do not. I was grateful for the men who climbed the steep roof in the heat of summer to replace the old shingles. I should have told them how thankful I was for their work.  

This reminds me of the story of the ten lepers recorded in Luke 17:11-19. Jesus was walking through Samaria and Galilee to Jerusalem. He entered a certain village where ten lepers called out to Him. He responded by telling them to see the priests, since it was the priests who could pronounce whether a person was healed of leprosy. As they walked, they realized they had been healed. Jesus healed all ten men of a devastating affliction, yet only one turned back to express thanks. This lone leper’s act highlights more than just good manners; it reveals a depth of spirit and recognition of divine intervention. His faith granted him restoration, but his gratitude revealed true salvation. While it is easy to be grateful for monumental blessings, the true challenge and meaning of faith are in acknowledging and appreciating the seemingly “small things” in our daily lives.

We are all prone to taking God’s blessings for granted. The story of the one leper who returned to give Jesus thanks reminds us to pause, reflect, and cultivate a consistent awareness of God’s gifts and the power of gratitude to generate a healthy relationship with God and others.

Today, I look out my office window and feel grateful for a fire hydrant near our home. It may sound silly, but years ago, our house was destroyed by fire, so having a fire hydrant is very important to me. Most of us are constantly running errands and driving. I realize I need to be more thankful to the Lord each time I return home safe without an accident. I need to adopt an attitude of gratitude for the beauty around me. We should be grateful for being children of the King, who gives us spiritual gifts and talents. We should also appreciate the scriptures that guide and lead us. And, of course, we can thank God for our friendships and family. When someone tells me they appreciate something I’ve done, it encourages me to do even more. This truly helps me keep my mind in the right place. When the single leper returned to thank Him, Jesus showed us that He values those with an attitude of gratitude and a posture of thanksgiving.

My husband has been facing some health issues over the past six months. Recently, he and I were talking about the aches and pains that come with aging. It was a depressing subject. Finally, I asked him, “Does your hair hurt? Do your nose, toes, fingers hurt?” I kept asking about the places that didn’t hurt. I finished with, “Let’s be grateful we don’t have pain in those places!” We laughed. Having an attitude of gratitude helps us focus on blessings in our everyday lives. 

I challenge you to look for things to be grateful for, both large and small. Since I journal, I write down things I am thankful for in my life.  As I look back, it has been a wonderful reminder of positive things past and present.

Let’s pray:

Lord, I am so thankful for the big and small things You have done in my life.  As I list them, my heart swells with how much You do for me daily.  Please open my eyes spiritually and help me be grateful on a continual basis. In Your loving arms, Amen.