The Hebrew word for gratitude is hikarat hatov, which translates as "recognizing the good." How many times a day do we recognize the good that is in front of us, around us, or in our circumstances? I asked this question not only to you (the reader) but to myself. It's so easy for us to come to terms and focus on things that we lack. We all too many times overlook what gifts we have been given, especially when facing difficulties. The truth is that even when facing difficulties, you still have something good that has been given to you. I read a good quote this morning... "Practicing gratitude means recognizing the good that is already yours." How true is this? (question not meant to be answered but realized)
Here are a few examples:
Here are a few examples:
- If your car just broke down but your legs work properly to walk, than you shave something to be grateful for.
- If your homesick and miss your friends and family but you have made new friends in your current location, than you have something to be grateful for.
- If you lost your job but still have your family and health, than you have something to be grateful for.
- If you broke a string on your guitar but you still have 4 strings left, than you have something to be grateful for.
- If your flight was delayed 8 hours but you made 2 new friends from different countries, than you have something to be grateful for.
Selah
(reader pause and think)
This week I have been focusing on this character trait. GRATITUDE. When we focus on noticing things that we can be grateful for we discover how much good there really is in our lives (even in the midst of difficulties).
Challenge:
Say thank you to every person who does even the slightest thing that is helpful or beneficial to you.
Say thank you to God for every beautiful thing that He puts in your path.
Awaken to the good and give thanks.
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