As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us begin thinking about the people and things we are most thankful for. Family, celebrations and home are common blessing that come to mind. These are all indeed blessings and we should be thankful for them.

But what if giving thanks was a way of life? What if we woke every morning and made a list — just five or ten things that we are thankful for? Would it change our outlook? Could it lead to a more peaceful life?  I can tell you that it would, because it has happened to me.

I was in a place where many of us find ourselves from time to time. Stretched and stressed by the daily life of raising four children, I hardly made time for a short Bible reading and quick prayer at dinner, much less a more in depth recounting of the blessings in my life. I became disillusioned, discontented and ungrateful for the life I was given.  While reading a blog about gratitude, I received my first nudge towards adopting a life of thankfulness.

Actively pursuing gratitude

I committed myself to counting my blessings and giving thanks for them as a daily practice. It would be quick and painless, just a few seconds of jotting down a few things that had brought me joy that day. The results astounded me. I found myself cultivating an attitude of contentment, a higher appreciation for the blessings in my life and a heart of joy.

What started as a recounting of typical “blessings” such as food, shelter, family, etc., quickly became deeper probing into my heart as I began seeing reasons to give thanks in every moment. After a few days, my lists had expanded to things I had never considered before, even things that may not be considered conventional blessings. I had a new outlook on life, hope, faith and joy all strengthened by adopting a thankful attitude. I had come to a place of mindful living, and quite often found myself mentally tallying up the blessings as I went about my day.

Transformed by thankfulness

When I have a time of discouragement, all it takes is a few moments with a pen and paper and I can once again see the blessings that God has bestowed upon my life, and give thanks for them. I truly believe that this practice has not only brought me closer to God, but has given my entire family a deeper appreciation for the lives God has blessed us with.

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15

Take the next step:

6 Creative ways to develop gratitude
Thanksgiving lesson from a child
An Old Testament lesson on contentment