How to Harness the Power of the Discipline of Gratitude

 

Years ago I first learned about the connection between gratitude, contentment, and joy from Teri Maxwell’s small but powerful book called Homeschooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit.  I’ve often tried to remember these “offensive” tools as I struggle through days of not having a meek and quiet spirit.  I’d often wonder, “Why am I so discontent?  Why don’t I smile more at my kids?  Why am I not more thankful?”

This week I learned something new.  I read it in the Everyday Matters Bible, in a short article written by Sally Clarkson.  She said Gratefulness is a DISCIPLINE!  I’ve never thought of it like that before.  What do we do if we want to add a discipline to our lives?

We work hard on it.

We make it a priority.

We get accountability from others (like with the upcoming Fitness Challenge).

We realize that we will reap what we sow.

So, Sally shared a couple of action steps to lead to having a life more full of gratitude:

She never gets out of bed without thanking God for something and she never closes her eyes to sleep at night without again thanking God for what He’s done during the day.  

I’ve been doing this this week and it’s helped!  I am feeling more content!  I am seeing my blessings more!  I am more joyful!

Here are some of the things I’ve thanked God for this week:

That I don’t have rheumatoid arthritis (was a big scare a couple of months ago)

That I have healthy, strong children

That I have a loving, caring husband

That I live in the freedom of America

That I’m able to homeschool my children

There is one additional way to add the discipline of gratitude to your life and harness the power of contentment and joyfulness:

Memorize Scripture about being thankful.

Here are a few to get you started.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18      Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Psalm 28:7  The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

Please join me in working on the discipline of gratefulness and feel the contentment and joy it brings!