Gratitude by Melanie Warden

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever. Ps 107:1

Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 5:20

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Being Grateful, it's something we teach our children;

"Say Thankyou!", but did you know that being thankful is about much more than good manners?!

Being deliberately grateful is one of the most beneficial things that you can do to affect your happiness and wellbeing and it takes little more than taking time to think about all the positive things in our lives. As Christians, we have the added benefit of incorporating our gratitude into praise and thanksgiving to God, "from whom all blessings flow!" (Ps 103:2 MSG)

Take a look at the image below which lists all the areas that gratitude has been shown to benefit our lives;

Some helpful ways to increase your level of gratitude;

1. Make a list of things that you are thankful for on a daily basis
2. Keep a gratitude journal, read through it to remind yourself of all that God has done
3. Say thank you when people help you or are kind to you, no matter how small their act
4. Look for the best in situations and people (don't delude yourself, but there is always something to be grateful for, even if it is something ending unexpectedly. Trust that God has good things in store for you and will use this ending to make way for a new beginning!)
5. Don't let anger and disappointment and frustration be your go-to emotions. Choose to live with an attitude of gratitude and peace.

For more information on gratitude and it's benefits, click here.