“Try a little experiment. It will take all of two days, but it will teach you an important soul lesson.”

A thought by John Ortberg (2014-04-22) from his book, Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You (p. 169). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Here is what John says to do… “Today, when you greet people, begin your conversation with a little complaint. The Bible calls that grumbling, as in ‘Do everything without grumbling.’ It might be a complaint about something in your life: your health, your job, money problems, the fact that you don’t have a spouse, the fact that you do have the spouse that you have. It might be something about the person you’re greeting. You don’t like how they’re dressed. Or you just don’t like their personality, or maybe you’re jealous. Just greet a friend or colleague with something like, ‘Man, did I have a horrible night’s sleep.’ I’d be thrilled if you couldn’t think of anything.”

He continues, “Tomorrow, try to greet people with a word of gratitude. I hope this is a lot easier for you than today’s assignment. Think about something you’re genuinely grateful for: your family, a friend, your health, your job, the weather, your church. It might sound something like this: ‘Wow, on a morning like this, it just feels good to be alive, doesn’t it?’”

Then he says, “After you try this little experiment, ask yourself which day produced more positive feelings in you. Which day left you feeling vibrant, more alive, and closer to God? I’m pretty sure I know the answer because the soul thrives on gratitude. We feel better when we are grateful because the fundamental mind-set of the life of the soul is gratitude.”

Pretty good idea.  Why not give it a try?