The Voices and the Choices - Part 3Sample

The Choice of a Grateful Heart

I have truly lived realizing the transforming power of a grateful heart. It is my greatest anti-depressant as I have learned that a grateful heart and an anxious heart cannot reside in the same person. Gratitude has been one of the most significant “game-changers” for my life. I started a gratitude journal years ago when I was drowning, feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and depressed. With time and consistency, it changed the course of my days and brought my joy back. This was a choice I made. You can make this choice too! You need to make this choice too!

There is so much research about the impact of gratitude on our brain activity and wellness. This is a topic worth researching yourself but let me just share a few things with you here. 

I believe that the Word commands us to “give thanks in all things” (not for all things) as a drawing card to a deeper place of intimacy and trust. However, at face value, even outside of scripture there are many quotes that teach the power of gratitude. Here are a few for you to ponder:

·   “The root of joy is gratefulness...It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” ― Brother David Steindl-Ras

·  “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous

·  “It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

·   “The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see.” – Mary Davis

·   “What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” – Brene Brown

Besides the power of these quotes, I treasure even more the scripture that tells me that it is God’s will for me to be thankful. I know that obedience is rewarded. Gratitude opens our eyes to His blessings. The transforming power of gratitude in my life led to a return of my joy, happiness and peace. I found a rich calmness to a life lived in gratitude. Join me on this power-filled journey!

Ponder:

How can I develop a greater heart of gratitude? What keeps me from being grateful? Do I need to start a gratitude journal today?

Prayer:

O Lord, help me to be truly grateful. Open my eyes to see all the blessings that You have given me.