#Jesus - Daily DevotionalsSample

#Thankful (Philippe Sternbauer)

Thanks – it’s just a small word, but it changes everything!

Suddenly life feels a little lighter. Everyday life seems more colorful, the people more lovable, and our own lives more fulfilled. Just like that.

That’s the beautiful thing about thankfulness. It makes us all a little bit bigger. And also a little bit humbler. For the one who gives thanks and for the one who receives it. Thankfulness reminds us of how much we need each other – and God, the source of all good gifts.

In our society, thankfulness and appreciation for each other have become rare. Our constant striving for more often leads us into discontent which in turn causes us to be ungrateful.

Thankfulness is not something that is simply given to us. A conscious decision from our part is needed for this. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had a saying: “Thankfulness must be learnt and practiced.”

This is why it is good to keep giving thankfulness more space in our lives, to practice being thankful and generously pass it around.

So let’s start right now with seeking opportunities in our everyday lives, to train our muscle of thankfulness.

Actionstep:

Try to consciously say “Thank you” to as many people as possible today. In the evening, reflect on the opportunities you jumped at and those you missed.

Tip: If many missed chances come to mind in the evening, you can still thank God. This way your muscle of thankfulness gets trained despite the missed opportunities.