"No matter how bad things get, they could always get worse." (A quote from the movie Ever After)
A healthy mindset isn't ours by default. To think rightly, it will take diligent effort, focused training, and ongoing work. We must learn to be grateful, learn to be humble, learn to be positive, learn not to compare, and learn to be content. We also must unlearn the patterns we have formed such as putting ourselves down, zeroing in on the negative in any situation, tearing others down in our minds, or dwelling on anything contrary to the truth presented in Philippians 4: 8. Applying this Scripture moment by moment is the only way to master the unbridled turbulence that takes place in each of our minds.
Life is filled with opportunities to grow. If we find ourselves remaining infantile, it's crucial to take personal responsibility and figure out why exactly we aren't becoming healthier and more whole with the passing of time. Just like a youthful appearance and fit body isn't the result of sporadic diet and exercise but of a specific plan and being consistent, so too must we invite feedback from those who know and love us best and be willing to get on our knees before God with a prayerful heart asking Him to bring to our minds all that is wrong with us. You can't overcome a problem without first identifying it. You can't pursue radical change unless you first understand and can articulate what is radically wrong with you.
"An honest man with an open Bible and a pad and pencil is sure to find out what is wrong with him very quickly." Tozer
I have found that practicing gratitude is an instant pick-me-up because it serves as a reminder that we all have so much more than we are deserving of.
If we are pessimistic complainers, we will never experience joy. But if we make worship of God our heart's hourly meditation and joyfully delight in the Giver of good things regardless of our circumstances, we start the process of retraining our thoughts and refocusing them on who and what matters most. We can rise above what is going on around us and gain a winsome outlook on life. We begin to see that the smallest of luxuries really aren't small at all. Everything is a gift to be treasured.
In hopes of helping you gain a grateful heart, here is a list of 50 (or more) reasons I am thankful that many of us overlook in our day-to-day lives:
- Clean (hot) water to bathe in
- Pleasant weather
- A good night's rest (and God's forgiveness which is the solution to our guilty conscience)
- Air conditioning and ice water
- Printers, cell phones, fax machines, scanners
- Electricity, working toilets, clean showers
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Fans to bring in cool air at night (and leaving one on while you sleep for the soothing sound)
- Cheese grater, potato masher, spaghetti strainer
- Envelopes, stamps, pens, paper, crayons, colored pencils, paint/watercolors
- The library (having your own library card, using the computers without a fee, enjoying a wealth of resources concerning all different topics)
- Trains, planes, automobiles, the bus system (and bus passes)
- Thought-provoking quotes
- Deep conversations
- Record player, radio, video camera
- Dining room table and other household furniture
- Napkins/paper towels
- Juicer, blender, food processor
- Vacuum, mop, broom
- Clean childhood memories
- Every caring adult who made a lasting impact in your life as you grew up
- Music and the wide array of melodies found there
- Video game and movie soundtracks
- Learning to play a musical instrument (or just doing so for fun)
- A boring life (read this article to understand why such an existence should be prized!)
- The ocean and swimming
- Knowing how to read, write, and speak
- Balloons
- Sunglasses, sunblock
- Watching the sunset/sunrise, stargazing
- Early morning fog
- Seeing squirrels chase each other and hearing birds sing during morning walks
- The majesty of thunder and lightning
- Roller coasters
- Accents
- Dental floss, toothpaste, mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Traditional values, close-knit families, Bible-believing churches
- Holding a baby, reading to a child
- Candles, incense
- Being on the swings at the park
- Common courtesy among strangers
- Keeping a bouquet of fresh flowers (and some nice plants) in the home at all times
- Winter attire, autumn weather, summer outings, spring greenery
- Opening windows upon waking to let in fresh air and sunlight
- Gallon/sandwich bags, foil, baking sheets, cutting boards
- Tweezers, razors
- Adding kale or spinach to smoothies
- Homemade meals, natural dessert
- God's word, prayer, counsel, accountability, mentors
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