Thankfulness In All Things

In all things we have thanks to give.

We are blessed overflowing.

Everyday is a day to be thankful for. Everyday is filled with moments, people and blessings to be thankful for.

In practicing gratitude and thankfulness we find our lives full and joy filled.

I was starting to drown in my own negativity. Instead of seeking the Lord and his joy I had bred a spirit of complaint. Even as the words were coming out of my own mouth I was tired of hearing them.

Tired of my own attitude.

Discontentment only breeds more discontent. I’ve been feeling very convicted of letting myself feed the negativity.

I’ve been challenging myself to look for the positive and uplifting moments in my days. Instead of making a list of what’s going wrong or not working I’m looking for what good things are happening.

At the end of the day I want to share the good not the bad.

Thankfulness In All Things

Celebrate Simplicity:

“It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.”

J. R. Tolkien

It’s easy to get sidetracked or brought down by life’s bumps and complications, but when we stop to list all the good things they remind us how much we truly have to be thankful for.

There are so many little, simple, things to be thankful for in our lives. I’m looking for those moments, keeping an eye out for them.

When you are watching for things to be thankful for your list becomes pretty full.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 days, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Today I’m thankful for the incredible community of people in my life, a warm and cozy home, working in ministry, having a Savior who loves me beyond measure and friends who love and encourage me.

What are you thankful for today?

Change the Conversation:

“Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys.” 

Rita Schiano

I love this phrase, “Change the Conversation,” it always reminds me to be positive.

When I take in this mentality I start looking for new and fresh ways to approach things.

Let’s change the conversation shall we?

When someone spends time with you leave them feeling lifted up!

What one joy you are currently rejoicing over?

Show Up:

“Be messy complicated and afraid and show up anyways.”

Glennon Doyle Melton

I am in love with this quote, but seriously this one scares me!

The need to be perfect is debilitating. But I’m learning I’d rather be present than always worried about being put together.

Perfection is truly unattainable so don’t wait for it. Be open about being a work in progress. Show up now. Be present now.

It’s vulnerability that actually frees us and allows us to go deep with others.

We get to show up. Practice thankfulness by diving into life right where you are. Be thankful for who you are and embrace it!

Write it down:

The act of writing down what you are thankful for is a wonderful practice.

I love to write. It helps you express your thoughts and feelings in a whole different way.

• Keep a gratitude journal.
• Fill a journal with slips of paper.
• Put it on a sticky note.
• Write thank you notes.
• Send someone a letter.

Get really specific and write why you are thankful.

Be Part of the Solution:

Look for ways to come up with solutions over simply being frustrated or upset about a situation.

The culture of complaint becomes a cycle we trap ourselves in until we choose to actively break it. It means taking action and not waiting on others, but leaping into action can be very rewarding.

When we seek solutions we allow ourselves to get creative. Looking for solutions pulls us out of the frustration or negativity we may be giving into.

As we become solution bringers it reflects in our attitude and becomes an opportunity to be grateful.

Look for something positive in every day:

Be watching for things to be thankful for. Focus on what’s working or going well. Don’t jump on the negativity train.

Instead of a list of negatives or complaints from your day share the highlights. Challenge yourself and others to look for what’s positive.

At the end of the day give thanks and share all the good things!

Communicate Gratitude:

Say thank you at every opportunity for both the big and small things. Write a thank you note. Let others know why you appreciate them.

Send someone a card and thank them for a time in your life they helped you out or did something that meant a lot to you. Make a list of people you can reach out to and tell them why you are thankful for them.

Spend time with the Lord:

Fill up your thankful tank by spending time with God. Get in His word, study it, meditate on it and seek to learn from it.

Spend time in prayer, have conversations with the Lord. As you focus on your relationship with Jesus, joy and thankfulness will flow out of you.

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” – Psalm 95:2

Be Thankful Daily:

“Being thankful daily will make you a happier more joyful person”  

Dedra Davis

Thankfulness is a daily practice. Read my friend Dedras fantastic post, on how you can get on the road to thankfulness: On the Road to Happiness – Be Thankful Every Day

I want to make being thankful part of my daily life! How about you?

As I wrap this post up we are in the midst of fire season here in California. It’s been a tragic 36 hours for our community as we mourn together over both the Borderline shooting in Thousand Oaks and as homes have been lost to the current fires.

My car is packed up, ready to evacuate, as other friends have already been evacuated. While we keep a close eye on these fires, it also makes me incredibly thankful for all my blessings.

Tragedy reminds you to be all the more thankful.

As I hugged a friend after the devastating news that another friend lost their home and barely made it across the fireline, it was in that moment that I’m reminded people matter most. They are our treasures.

I spent the following evening at a friendsgiving and as we went around the table sharing what we were thankful for a common theme arose.

We were thankful for people, thankful for our significant others, for our families, for our friendships and for community with others.

No matter what is happening in life, from immense joys to devastating tragedies we can always practice gratitude and thankfulness in all things!

xoxo Naomi

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