Gratitude Changes Everything

If you’ve followed me for long, you know I experienced a brain tumor. Since my surgery in 2011 to remove the tumor, I strive to look at life with more gratitude. Because gratitude changes everything.

You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.   Khalil Gibran,
“The Prophet” 

It’s no Biggie

Gratitude is simple. It’s purely being thankful for what you have around you. They don’t need to be big things that make you smile–they rarely are. It’s the little things around us that we appreciate the most. Here’s a list of items that made my heart sing after my surgery:

The feel of fresh pajamas after a shower
Walking without assistance
Having the ability to feed myself
Hugs from relieved family members
Promises, like Hebrews 13:5*

Why Gratitude?

What continues to help me through dark seasons in my life–because I still have them–is to take inventory of the blessings around me.

I understand how difficult it is to be grateful in the midst of loss.  But give it a try. Gratitude changes everything. It may not change the situation you’re facing, but it changes the lens you see it through. Right now, you may be filled with anger, questions, or uncertainties.

Still, try gratitude.

As we come up to the season of Thanksgiving, try to build your own list. What are you thankful for? If you’re having trouble starting, let me help you.

* “… be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

 

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.