Finding Gratitude

I have to admit, with my melancholy personality I struggle to be grateful at times. 

This year, I decided to work on that and to search for gratitude and a spirit of gratefulness and thanksgiving.

Overall, I noticed that my mind is beginning to change from the negative to the positive.  I still have a long way to go, but I want to live with a positive mindset and not a negative one.

David wrote “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of your wonderful deeds.” {Psalm 9:1}

Instead of dwelling on my challenges and how overwhelming they can be at times, I’ve been thanking the Lord in advance for providing a means through and around those challenges.

I’ve also been writing three things each day I’m thankful for.  Most days it’s simple things, such as the grass got cut, my knee didn’t give out, the birds are singing or I talked with a loved one.  But, when the Lord provides this allows me to see and appreciate his provision any more.

Other ways to express gratitude and gratefulness may include:

• Keep a gratitude journey
• Pour into someone else’s life
• Volunteer
• Improve the happiness in other areas of your life
• Savor the moments
• Spend time with those you love
• When things get difficult, count your blessings
• Read and learn the prayers of gratitude in the Bible
• Write letters of gratitude
• Say thank you and smile

How do you express gratitude?  What are some out of the box ways keep a heart of thanksgiving?