I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be thankful and how I can make that more a part of my daily life. I find it helps me keep my focus on where it needs to be and it helps me keep a positive attitude in the midst of hard times or a really bad day.
When you are having a bad day, what is your response to that? I used to (and still some times do at times) get pretty upset and usually take it out on those around me, my husband or daughters, especially if one of them seemingly caused the badness in my day. But what if we responded with thankfulness in the midst of a bad day? When we turn and think about all that we have, it can (if you let it) cause you to realize that your day is not as bad as you may think it is. When I'm frustrated with the tightness of our budget, I remember that we have enough to pay the bills and are not submerged in credit card debt. Oh yeah and that my husband has a wonderful job with a family oriented company. When I get frustrated with my 3 1/2 year old's tantrums, I remember that she is healthy and is well behaved most of the time. When my 14 month old is constantly following me around ALL day wanting to be held and whining because she is not being held, I remember that I am blessed to have her and her sister in my life and that there are so many people in this world that ache to have the blessing of children in their lives.
I have also been trying to take time and remember the little things that I can be thankful for that I often take for granted. Things like windows, grocery stores, lotion, computers, trees, pens, my Bible, my health, my relationship with my husband etc. Remembering these things enhances my day SO much and makes a good day better and a bad day bearable! You can turn most negatives into a postive if you change your perspective.
Try out thankfulness and see how it impacts your day!
