An Attitude of Gratitude

Last Thanksgiving morning, I was sitting in the recliner at my daughter's house, checking emails, and especially to read the incoming mail which contained several blogs I read daily.  Things were already happening in the kitchen to prepare for the huge meal planned that day.

If you have followed my writings here, you will remember that I have referred to Michael Hyatt, one of the most followed bloggers.   I read Michael's Thanksgiving blog, thinking all the time  how applicable his points were for everyday life.  That's when I decided to save the blog to a time away from the holidays, so it might mean more to you as I shared his article, "The Gratitude Advantage."  Much of the material today comes from that one blog.  I think you will agree these truths are beneficial to us every day we live, and not just for holiday reading.

Starting with some quotes from Michael Hyatt, you will begin to see how this man's take on gratitude is not to be something to do, it is to be the way we live.

"Researchers have come to the conclusion that gratitude is a key component of helping people live happier and longer."

"It seems the more I give thanks, the more reasons I have for gratitude."

And this quote from researchers at Baylor University, "By focusing on what we do not have, we are less likely to give thanks for what we do.

He then quotes researchers Robert A. Emmons and Anjali Mishra, with four points about gratitude:

1.  Gratitude reduces our stress.  Thankfulness redirects our attention from our difficulties to the benefits we enjoy.  It's like we are creating a storehouse of good and positive thoughts that we can bring into our lives when things are difficult.

2.  Gratitude inoculates us from negative emotions.   When we focus on how things might have turned out, or what we should or should not have done, we open the door  for feelings like envy and regret.

3.  Gratitude sustains our relationships.   Ask yourself this, "Do I prefer to hang out with someone who is always negative and complaining, or someone who is positive and encouraging?  Gratitude actually draws people together.

4.  Gratitude improves our health.  These researchers have determined grateful people have to see their doctors less often, and live longer than others.  Thankfulness actually helps with our sleep patterns, blood pressure, and the reduction of other physical complaints.

Just these four points are enough to prompt us toward lives of gratitude.  And even beyond these, biblical teaching encourages us to be continually thankful people.  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

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