3 ways to develop an ‘attitude of gratitude’ this fall

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First appeared in The Alabama Baptist newspaper, October 25, 2024 issue.  Used with Permission.

When Thanksgiving arrives on the fourth Thursday in November, how will the families in this country observe Thanksgiving? Will your celebration resemble a Norman Rockwell painting where families sit down together for a meal and offer a blessing? Or will you tell everyone to grab a sandwich and watch football all day?

According to Lifeway Research, 56% of those surveyed said that being thankful to God for their blessings was most important on Thanksgiving Day. And 38% reported spending time with family and friends tops their priorities.

Regardless of how you approach the day, finding time to thank God for the blessings we receive is of utmost importance. 

David Jeremiah, a noted author and the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, writes, “No matter the circumstance, we can find a reason to be thankful.”

Mental, emotional and spiritual life

Research shows that being thankful is good for us. No, it’s really great for us. Who is happier — an ungrateful person or a grateful one? The answer is what you would expect: The person who pursues God is the happiest.

Research-based benefits of gratitude include optimism, happiness, a stronger immune system, sound sleep and rest and a more generous attitude toward others. And grateful, happy people recover more quickly after surgery.   

My late paternal grandmother was an example of a grateful woman. 

Before she died at almost 100 years, I asked her what her secret to longevity was. She quickly replied, “To be grateful for the life the Lord has given me, to love God, to love people and to be happy.”

How to develop an attitude of gratitude

Gratitude is a trait not learned in a book, but it can be taught through example and daily practice. Would some of these suggestions work for your family or your church family?

Start an attitude journal. Write down your blessings. Reflect on ways God has blessed you. Has He given you restful sleep? Nutritious food? True friends? A loving family? You’ll find your blessings are too numerous to write.

Recognize your blessings. This is similar to a journal, but throughout the day, be aware of how God is blessing you. Perhaps it’s delicious food, a meaningful song or hymn, a beautiful sunset, faith and trust in God. The list is endless.

Teach children to be thankful. Whether it’s for your own children, your grandchildren or those in your community or church family, set an example of a grateful person. Be positive about life, never negative. Look for the good in people, never the bad. As you interact with children and youth, point out things for which you are thankful.

What the Bible says 

One of the most recurring themes of the Bible is how we should thank God for His goodness. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

“In everything” means both the good and the not so good, the joys and the sorrows. Sometimes in the valleys of life, we learn lessons that would not be seen if we were on the mountaintop. Thank Him for the difficulties as well as the blessings. 

In 1 Chronicles 16:34, the Levites were told, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” What a promise — forever, forever and forever! His love has no end. God will love us for all eternity. 

Being grateful and developing a spirit of thanksgiving is not something to only practice during this season of the year. It should be celebrated every day, every hour. May this season of Thanksgiving be one of gratitude.

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