Growing in Gratitude

November warrants it.  It just does.  As the golden leaves fall from the wind-blown trees, we must discuss the golden topic of the day - gratitude.  It is an often touched on topic but not often taken to heart.  What do you say.  Let's take it to heart today. 💛

My thoughts on the importance of gratitude were profoundly enriched when I read, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  November is the perfect time to pick up this book. Ann discusses how the sin of ingratitude is "the catalyst of all my sins."  The entire Garden of Eden was offered to Adam and Eve yet it didn't prove to be enough.  What was wanted was the one gift not given.  Ann writes, "Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren't satisfied in God and what He gives.  We hunger for something more, something other."  Is that the case for you? It became the case for me.

I've always considered myself a "glass half-full" person.  Generally speaking my heart has been filled with gratitude to the God who bountifully sends blessings my way.  I know from whom my gifts come.  I value gratitude and made it a priority to teach in my home.  I wanted my boys to embrace it.  Much time was spent in preparation for birthday parties and Christmas gatherings to make certain they showed exuberant appreciation to their gift giver. I believe true appreciation fosters true contentment in life. None of us should feel we are owed anything but should instead give thanks in everything.  I presume you agree.  I did until I didn't.

It was only recently that I began to see contentment vacating my heart.  I harbored these thoughts secretly, of course. I began to question my gifts in wanting something different than what was already given.  Questioning my gift-giver didn't bring reassurance.  It only filled me with feelings of guilt.  When you're gifted a beautifully-wrapped package, you don't open it and ask for something different.  No. You graciously accept what has been given with a thankful heart.

That was the case for me until it was no longer the case.

God has blessed me with the privilege of raising 3 amazing sons.  I loved every minute of it...well...most minutes.  I relished my role of being their "queen bee."  What was surprising was my reaction after God also blessed me with the gift of a grandchild - a girl!  Finally!!  Yes, my heart leaped for joy with this precious pink present! At the same time, a hole in my heart made its ugly debut.  I so loved taking care of this baby girl. The more I did so the more I built up resentment that I was never given the gift of my own baby girl.  

What?! You should be ashamed of yourself!  After God has given you so much, HOW DARE YOU have any discontentment at all!  You're right.  I shouldn't but I did. And.....to be honest....I still do.  So what can I do about it?  What can you do if you too are struggling in your pursuit of true thankfulness?

How do we grow in gratitude in this season of life?  The older we get there is more potential for unmet expectations and not-achieved dreams.  Our day to day reality may not measure up to all the hopes and dreams once housed in our starry-eyed heads. So what do we do to be more thankful for the gifts God has given and not wanting for "something more"?

I'd love to hear your remedies.  All I know to do is to trust in our potter who sculpted us and is still molding us today.  Rest in knowing that He knows best. Every act God does is done in perfect love.  He isn't a withholder but a giver!  We need to place on a sticky note: "Every good and perfect gift comes from above." (James 1:17) We need to ponder this verse as we daily tally blessings in a gratitude journal.  I started this practice to lead me on my much-needed growth in gratitude.  I pause each morning to reflect on the previous day and all its goodness.  I list blessings that I could have easily overlooked if I hadn't taken the time to ponder and to write down.  There are blessings in each sunrise, blue skies, french fries, and friendly goodbyes.  There are so many ways my God surprises me and showers me with His goodness.  It takes intention to pay attention! Full attention will lead us further down the growing in gratitude path to make us TRULY THANKFUL to the giver of all good things!

With God's help you can. With God's help I can.   Let's make sure we are not growing in resentment but growing in gratitude.  It will look way more beautiful on us! 

  

I'm Thankful For These Things

Flowers and bugs

Warm winter hugs

Sunshine after rain

Cake and ice cream

Joining a team

Joy I can't contain

Days at the park

Fireworks at dark

Beauty I can't explain

Cookes with icing

Apples for slicing

Treats that I can claim

Doggies and kittens

Warm woolen mittens

No reason to complain

Hot melty s'mores

Castles on shores

More gifts than I can name

Pumpkins and pickles

Snuggles and giggles

Being thankful is my aim!