Gratitude…it’s on my heart and not because its November. The timing is complete coincidence. What really got me thinking about gratitude took place two weeks ago. Imagine spending months planning out the perfect Birthday party for someone you adore. You would pay close attention to the details; hoping all who came had an amazing time and most importantly your guest of honor was pleased. That is similar to what happened two weeks ago, only it wasn’t a Birthday party it was a women’s retreat. It was a fantastic weekend and the women didn’t hesitate to say so. The atmosphere was positive and filled with gratitude. My heart was so encouraged! Knowing our effort was not in vain and our hard work was appreciated, was just what I needed to keep pressing on. As I pondered all the thanks filled praise, I recalled all the times my church leaders have planned something I took for granted; never once giving thought to how much time, love and energy went into making it great for all who came. Shame on me...shame on me for those couple of times I chose to grumble about what I didn’t like instead of focusing on what I should be thankful for! Shame on me for jumping on the thankful bandwagon every November and yet not allowing gratitude to be my lifestyle all year round.

I’ve always thought of myself as a positive grateful person but am I really? Do I actually live in a state of gratitude like I Thessalonians suggests or is my gratitude selective. What about you? Are you picking and choosing what is worthy of your thanks? Does grumbling about what you don’t like come easier than giving thanks in ALL situations? This same passage of scripture in Thessalonians tells us “…encourage one another and build one another up…now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” I can tell you with certainty, true heartfelt gratitude lovingly encourages and builds up like nothing else can! But just like love, gratitude should never be forced. I remember when my husband and I first started dating and I expressed my dislike for Valentine’s Day. I think at first, he thought, “Woohoo, I’m off the hook!” till I explained further. I didn’t like the idea of Hallmark telling him it was “that time” of year again.

I want him to express his love for me as often as he can, not out of obligation because of a national holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take the roses and the chocolates and the extra attention in February but only if it’s in addition to the love he shows me all the other months of the year. It should be the same way with gratitude, especially in our churches. Don’t wait for pastor appreciation month to tell your church leaders how much you value them, instead tell them often. It will fuel them to keep pressing on. It will build them up and encourage them. In addition to building up, true gratitude will disintegrate the devastating effects of comparison. In a world where comparison is taking over hearts like never before it’s good to know there is a remedy. Gratitude takes our eyes off what others have and puts our eyes on what we have been blessed with instead.

So, the next time you log onto Facebook or Instagram and are tempted to compare take this thankful dare:

Write down at least three things/people you are thankful for and then go send a message to someone on your list letting them know you are thankful for them. Let gratitude become a daily habit and once it is habit it will become a lifestyle… A lifestyle you will not regret!

I challenge you to choose true gratitude every time you step foot in your church or attend a church planned event. Vocalize that gratitude to your leaders and those behind the scene servants who give of themselves regularly. Express gratitude to your pastors, nursery workers, Sunday school teachers, Awana leaders, children’s director, worship leaders, youth leaders, coffee/cookie bar workers, greeters, janitors, grounds keepers and elders ect…than let the overflow of that gratitude be a light in a lost world. As followers of Jesus we should shine brighter than others. And believe me an attitude of gratitude shines because it is in such contrast to a world where grumbling and complaining seem to reign. Letting gratitude reign not only reshapes your thoughts but it paves the way for happier healthier living.

According to Anne Voskamp, a Harvard study showed that people who practiced writing down 3 things they are thankful for each day made people that were on probation, kids that were cutting, and women who wanted to throw in the towel less depressed, less suicidal, and less apathetic. They were able to increase their positive focus by 25%, had increased alertness, enthusiasm, optimism, attentiveness, and energy. They were more motivated, more forgiving, more likeable, more generous, more helpful, more likely to give back and more likely to volunteer. And they did all of this for free; simply by writing down 3 things they were thankful for each day.

So, this November please join me in kicking selective gratitude to the curb and embrace an attitude of gratitude that “gives thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Happy early Thanksgiving! Go Light the World!