Happy Thanksgiving

       This week I saw this really interesting video about the effect of gratitude on one’s happiness. (please excuse some mild language at 5:23-5:28)

     
   
        I love this video and believe that its message can be translated into our spiritual lives. I don’t know about the rest of you but my prayers can often turn into more of a Christmas list, just rattling off to God all of the things I want.  I have also noticed that in times when my prayer takes that turn I feel less connected and less fulfilled in my faith, and quite honestly a little depressed.  That is because I am not being thankful for what I have been given I am only concerning myself with that which I do not have. I act like a spoiled child who expects every whim to be met and takes my full toy box and loving parents for granted.

picture via pernillanordman

       I have found that once I recognize that I am been in a rut like that (taking things for granted) the best way to get out of my funk is to praise the LORD.  Offering thanksgiving to God is a surefire way to lift your spirits because it forces you to acknowledge all the good in your life.

      Like the video said, the people who benefited most from this gratitude experiment were those that were least happy to begin with.  This got me to thinking about the idea of praising God in the storms of our lives.  It is really easy to fall in to self-pity (one of my pet peeves) when things don’t seem to be going our way.  However, if we take the time to look at all the gifts and blessings in our lives and thank God for those things we are likely to find joy even in the darkest times of our lives. 

       Something that I want to try out in my own life is to begin keeping a “gratitude journal”.  People get a blank journal and each day write at least one thing they are thankful for.  I think that this practice could be really helpful in one’s overall happiness and in remaining positive and grounded.  Being aware of the blessings we are given each day keeps us connected to the reality of God’s loving presence in our lives.

       What did you think of the video?  Would you consider calling someone randomly to tell them why you are thankful for them?  How about keeping a gratitude journal?  How do you express gratitude?  Comments? Questions? Suggestions?  Drop me a line in the comments below!