If it’s one thing that makes me roll my eyes, it’s cheesy catch-phrases. One that is overly used during this season of Thanksgiving is, “An Attitude of Gratitude.” I know, I know, it’s a good reminder, but I think I avoid it for its sheer cheesiness.
In the last few years, I’ve really worked at having not just an attitude of gratitude, but a heart posture of gratefulness.
It sounds the same, doesn’t it?
For me, I think it’s different. I can change my attitude in the situation, but that attitude won’t necessarily affect my heart. My attitude could be merely showing the external attempt to avoid pain or embarrassment. However, a heart posture of gratefulness shows a deeper work being done within me. It shows that my words and actions stem from a source of gratitude, not just an attitude that I can adjust when the wind changes.
A heart posture of gratefulness means I’ve anchored myself in the hope of Jesus Christ and my gratitude emerges from that hope. It’s reposturing myself to not be spinning spastically with the chaos of the world around me, but to be firmly planted in hope.
If you’re wondering what this looks like in a practical sense, take a minute to be still and focus your thoughts toward Jesus and his great love for you. Anchor your heart there for a few minutes. Let the truth of His love and acceptance seep deeply into your soul. Allow thoughts of His faithfulness and truth to captivate your attention. And then begin to cultivate gratitude in your heart. Speak of the things in your life that bless you. Even the small things.
The first sip of hot coffee in the morning.
The way the sunlight dances on the clouds.
The moment of peace where you can take a breath.
For the Lord loving you when you don’t even love yourself.
For having a pillow to rest your head.
For…(you fill in the blank)
Want to take this a step further? The next time you see someone you’re grateful for, tell them. Don’t just think about it, tell them what they mean to you, write them a note of encouragement, send them a text.
I’m grateful for you, dear friend.