'Developing Thankful Hearts'

opening their mouths when the mother bird comes with food. They know that she will feed them. They trust her vigilant care. Too much of the time when times are tough and relationships are hard, we look inward for solutions, rather than upward to God’s wisdom and care.  Here are three ways that you can increasing trust and gratitude in God’s daily provision. 

First, remember how precious you are to God. Jesus said: Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Mt 6:25-33) As you look at the beauty of creation, remember that you are more beautiful still to God. You are so dear to God that He sent His only Son for you! God loves to care for you.

Second, focus on what you have. Epictetus wrote, ‘He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.’ Envying others can cause us to forget all the good that we have, both tangible and intangible. I remember going through a tight financial time and grumbling to God. God didn’t let me go down that losing path. God challenged me by bringing to my mind all the blessing I had received in the previous months. My attitude immediately changed from grumbling to gratitude!

Third, change the atmosphere in your home or office by saying ‘Thank You’. Thankfulness has a snowball effect. Gratitude increases the sense of well-being in the person who you thank, which in turn makes them more grateful to those around them. I challenge you to say ‘Thank You’ every day to each family member and each person with whom you work. Express appreciation for what they do, as well as for who they are. You will be amazed how thankfulness grows around you and within you.

I visited a mentor of mine, Dave Enochs, several weeks before he succumbed to cancer. We talked about his life – family, work, friends, Scouting – and he was filled with joy. He radiated gratitude and contentment despite his lack of energy. With a twinkle in his eye, he said to me, ‘Life is good, and getting better all the time!’ Dave lived in trust and gratitude, and we can do the same.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jonathan