One Thing: Gratitude

Gratitude is the opposite of complaining.

We often complain about our spouses, kids, co-workers, friends…the weather..and the list goes on.

Instead of complaining, why not look for the reason to be thankful?

Name ONE thing.  ONE.THING:

What are you thankful for regarding your spouse?

I’ll go: I am thankful that Andrew is a very present and sacrificial father.

And really, I could go on and on and on….about that one.

One thing about your kids.

I am thankful that Reynolds is a loving and sweet big brother to his little sister.

I am thankful that Eliza Jane already seems to have a gentle and quiet spirit.

Your co-worker that might drive you insanely crazy.

Um…I might give that person away!  No, kidding.  I am thankful that he/she understands the importance of our work and desires for everyone to succeed.

The weather?

Ok, so it’s hot.  It desperately needs to rain.  BUT, at least it’s not sleeting. {That may have been a stretch, but honestly, we southerners don’t do well with sleet…}

So….in those moments where you are about to complain about someone or something, bite your tongue and say something positive!!

It’s hard.  I know it is!!!  And I bet if we all made a conscious effort to count the number of times we complain about something, we’d sadly be astonished!

Tomorrow, tonight even, when you’re about to say that thing to that person, that would not be uplifting in any way….stop and think about how you can reword it so that it’s positive and comes from a grateful heart.

And if you want to leave a comment about what you’re thankful for…go ahead!  Sometimes it helps to say it out loud…in public!