Some say that gratitude is a necessary attitude. What does that mean? What is gratitude? Is it the joy we feel when something good happens? Is it the pleasure of knowing we have accomplished good work? Is it when we have skillfully reached our goals or been granted a second chance? Gratitude goes much deeper. Great things happen, and we feel amazing. But is that gratitude? How does one measure gratitude when they have just lost their job, their health is failing, or a loved one? What about when things just aren’t going our way; our friends, family members, and co-workers are just not in agreement with our behavior? Where is our gratitude in those situations? Does it disappear under the pressures of life on life’s terms, circumstances? Is gratitude situational, based on our emotions?
If gratitude is defined as feeling thankful only when good things happen, does that negate the fact that we are alive and present despite the circumstances? Good or bad, God has granted us another day. Situations will arise that may cause us to lose sight of our gratitude. How do we overcome that sinking feeling that occurs when something goes wrong? First, remember that God is in full control. We are blessed to see another day. Everything we encounter in this new day will pass. All things can and will work out for our good. Reflect on how blessed we are that they have a second chance.
Action Steps:
- Be patient, no matter how stressful the situation becomes. This isn’t easy. Pause when possible, and think before speaking.
- Be committed to the process of knowing yourself. Self-awareness comes during that much-needed pause. Those knee-jerk jerk thoughtless reactions get replaced by a more positive response.
- Be consistent and focus on the situation at hand. Previous circumstances can cloud your view in the moment.
- Be willing to take action. Something needs to get done. Do it, don’t hesitate, move forward.
- Be honest, avoid controversy. Disagreements typically prolong resolution.
- Be open-minded and seek clarity before making a final decision.
- Be willing to explore and understand other options. Listen intently. Hear what is being said, not what you think is being said.
Gratitude is knowing there is a lesson and a blessing in every situation. Based on our perception, we can display gratitude despite our emotional responses. Our gratitude is evident the moment we realize that this, too, shall pass, and we are thankful to God. Accepting God’s will for our lives changes our perception. We no longer seek things as happening to us. We begin to understand that things are happening for our good. Lack of acceptance for God’s will in our lives will lead to the painful reality that we are not in control.
Excerpt from: SOLACE IN THE WAITING ROOM: A Spiritual Journey | COMING SOON ON AMAZON AND KINDLE.
Written by Adrienne Vanterpool in support of Hanifah Talks and https://peninsulainterfaithcc.com/
PICC URL: https://peninsulainterfaithcc.com/
Hanifah Talks URL: https://hanifahtalks2018.blogspot.com/
Adrienne Vanterpool URL: https://adriennevanterpool.com/