Thankful Heart

A former teacher of mine over at Peacefully Imperfect has a 30 day Thankful heart challenge going on right now and I love it. 

While Thanksgiving is coming up and is declared a day to give thanks we are told to be thankful everyday. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances." We should not limit ourselves and our hearts to only proclaiming our gratitude on the fourth Thursday of November alone. We should take a note from Mitzi and proactively give thanks daily. 

Sometimes this begins as simply an act of obedience. While initially it may seem faked, it may feel forced, ultimately it will change your heart. 

Many of us are not thrilled with the results of the election just 3 short weeks ago. The holidays do tend to bring up unrelenting political, religious, or otherwise controversial topics. The fact that many people will have to sit at a table with other folks who may have voted differently than they is causing anxiety. However, be reminded of Philippians 4:6, "Do NOT be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God." 

Train your heart. Train your mind.

Run fast and far from the feelings. Feelings are truly real but they are not truly reliable. If you can't find good in the world, be the good.

Make it a habit. Do not let a day go by without giving thanks for your own life and those around you. Once you begin to habitually declare your thanksgiving you will then begin to tangibly express gratitude outwardly.