An attitude of gratitude
Thankfulness is a fast pass to joy.
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time for us to discuss thankfulness. The timing may seem odd, but let’s be real: too often, we (okay, I) check “show gratitude” off our holiday list, like “put up the wreath” or “buy a can of cranberry sauce.” But being thankful shouldn’t be something we sometimes do. It should be a part of our very character.
In the story of the ten lepers, Jesus healed all of them of the horrifying disease, but (spoiler alert) only one man came back to say thank you. Jesus’ disappointment indicates how important gratitude is. That’s probably why we get verses like Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
There are many reasons to adopt an attitude of gratitude. One is that it makes us happier, more positive people.
I have a student who is literally always happy. He always has something pleasant to say. He laughs at all my jokes (even the unfunny ones). He celebrates the successes of his classmates. He is always smiling. He looks for the best in everyone. Most curious is that he’s no phony: all this gladness is genuine. How can that be? Maybe he was dropped on his head as a kid.
Or maybe there’s another reason. A few weeks ago, I had the students write about something they’re thankful for. Ten minutes into the assignment, he came to my desk, looking quite perplexed.
“Mr. Stallings, I don’t know what to write about.” That’s a common problem for middle schoolers, but rarely for such an easy topic. In fact, the topic was so easy I wasn’t even sure what to tell him. “Well,” I said, “just think of something you’re really thankful for.”
“That’s just it,” he said, as his smile returned, “I’m thankful for everything!”
Again, there wasn’t a glint of insincerity. He was being totally honest.
That incident made me wonder: is he so thankful because he’s always so happy? Or is he always so happy because he’s so thankful?
I think it’s the latter because Ephesians 5:18, 20 says, “Be filled with the Spirit [the fruit of which includes joy and peace] … always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It’s true. I am at my most contented when I am at my most grateful. In fact, when I feel down or bitter, finding gratitude in my heart quickly turns it around. It’s like a Fast Pass to happiness, which is undoubtedly the reason Jefferson Bethke said, “Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy.”
Why is that so? Because thankfulness transforms whatever we have into enough. It keeps us fixed on what we’ve been given rather than wandering toward jealousy and envy. When we express thankfulness, it reveals love and appreciation for others, which strengthens our relationships.
The only challenge, then, is to be thankful in every moment of every day. But with God in your life, that’s easy to do.
Aren’t you thankful for that?
Graceful Contemplation
Wendy Cope’s “The Orange” expresses the joy of thankfulness better than any poem I know.
The Orange
At lunchtime I bought a huge orange— The size of it made us all laugh. I peeled it and shared it with Robert and Dave— They got quarters and I had a half. And that orange, it made me so happy, As ordinary things often do Just lately. The shopping. A walk in the park. This is peace and contentment. It’s new. The rest of the day was quite easy. I did all the jobs on my list And enjoyed them and had some time over. I love you. I’m glad I exist.
Don’t forget
Today’s a great day to order A Holy City Christmas, an anthology of Charleston-themed holiday stories that includes my piece, “Nine O'clock, December.” Proceeds from the book go to charity. All the stories are fun, inspirational, and perfect for a cozy, Christmasy, fireside read!
Thank you for reading!
It was a November to remember! My son got married! What a wonderful time with friends and family. Love, congratulations, and prayers to Brevin and Cassie!
