Living in Gratitude

Continuing with our Year of Authenticity theme, today I’m thinking about and working towards the idea of living in gratitude.

Living in Gratitude –  For out of a place of gratitude comes the ability to see all things for what they are.

If you missed the blog post regarding our theme, check it out here: 2018 Is the Year of Authenticity.

Our lives are busy. One way to work towards living authentically is to be grateful for what we have, including a busy schedule. After a weekend out of town, I worked on my fourth load of laundry. Although I wanted to grumble about everything I needed to do to catch up, I reminded myself to be grateful for clothes to wash, healthy children to clothe and for a washing machine.

How else can we live in gratitude? Here are a few ideas:

1. Start each day with a mental list of what you can be grateful for. (For me personally, this is prayer time.)
2. Take time to say, “thank you”. Whether it is to text a sweet aunt for your birthday card or to simply thank a stranger for letting you go ahead of them in the grocery line, take time to show that you appreciate the thoughtfulness of others.
3. Give. This year, one of my “people first” goals is to work towards doing at least one small act of kindness each week. It doesn’t have to cost a thing. A quick text or call to encourage someone else who may be having a tough week is a great way to live in gratitude.

One of my favorite authors, Richard Paul Evans, has “GratiTuesday” each week on his Facebook page. What a great way to find out what others are grateful for! Check it his page here: https://www.facebook.com/RPEfans/.