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“Gratitude is a mindful awareness of the benefits of life.”

A thought by Max Lucado from his book, Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World (Kindle Location 1380). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

But so many of us live on the banks of the If Only river.

Max asks, “Are you standing on its shore? Does it seem, the good life is always one if only away? One purchase away? One promotion away? One election, transition, or romance away? If so, then we’ve traced your anxiety back to one of its sources. You’re in a hurry to cross the river and worried that you never will. Consequently, you work long hours, borrow more money, take on new projects, and pile on more responsibilities. Stress. Debt. Short nights. Long days. All part of the cost of the ticket to the land of the good life, right?”

He then says, “Not exactly, opined the apostle Paul. The good life begins, not when circumstances change, but when our attitude toward them does. Look again at his antidote for anxiety. ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus’ (Phil. 4:6–7). Paul embedded in the verses two essential words that deserve special attention: with thanksgiving. Sprinkled among your phrases ‘Help me . . . ,’ ‘Please give me . . . ,’ ‘Won’t you show me . . .’ should be two wonderful words: Thank you.”

He then comes to today’s thought, “Gratitude is a mindful awareness of the benefits of life. It is the greatest of virtues. Studies have linked the emotion with a variety of positive effects. Grateful people tend to be more empathetic and forgiving of others. People who keep a gratitude journal are more likely to have a positive outlook on life. Grateful individuals demonstrate less envy, materialism, and self-centeredness. Gratitude improves self-esteem and enhances relationships, quality of sleep, and longevity. If it came in pill form, gratitude would be deemed the miracle cure. It’s no wonder, then, that God’s anxiety therapy includes a large, delightful dollop of gratitude.”


So, will you take a large spoonful of gratitude today?  Will you?
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