Gratitude & Gumption
As we remember the complicated history, and gather with friends and family, for Thanksgiving, here in the states, I'm thinking a lot about gratitude and gumption. One is fuel for the other.
When we lack gratefulness, we are more likely to envy others, settle into discontent, live in a perpetual state of "want", or surrender to all the reasons why we "can't" (most of them centered on what we don't have). But when we are thankful for what we do have, we're more likely to dig our heels into the ground, believe for what we know is possible, and move our mind, heart and feet accordingly.
That's gumption, the courage to show up every day, present to our relationships and purpose, celebrating others, and living with integrity and consistency. Not because we have everything we want or need, but because we have hope, and confidence in a God who has been, and who is, faithful.
THREE TIPS TO BECOMING A PERSON OF GRATITUDE + GUMPTION
USE YOUR WORDS
The most practical way to grow in thankfulness, is to open your mouth, and say what you are grateful for. Most likely this week, you and I have shared with others, what we don’t like, what we wish was going differently, and who is getting on our nerves… BUT, have we shared what we DO like, what IS going well, and who is INSPIRING us to keep going? Use your words to express gratitude.
STAY PRESENT
We are often wasting the moment in front of us, by mentally reliving the past, or worrying about the future. Often, this creates a sense that we didn’t do enough, that we don’t have enough, or worst of all, that we’re not enough. But when we choose to stay in the present, we practice gratitude. Thank you that I am awake and alive, that I am here, that I need to show up for my own life, and for the people who are counting on me. This is also how gratefulness fuels gumption. When we are present to the moment, we are encouraged to be faithful to really live it.
RESIST ISOLATION
I find it increasingly difficult to feel thankful, when I feel alone. We all deal with loneliness - perhaps you’re a new parent of toddlers, or transitioning out of addiction, or starting over in a new city, or retiring for the first time, or perhaps this year felt more difficult than any other. Reach out. Even if you don’t have the same margin to be with people, text, call, start a marco polo group with friends, join an online coaching group, spend less time on social media, so that you can resist isolation, and experience consistent connection. We can see God and His goodness through others, who love us, and courage increases as we recognize we are not alone. We have people in our corner.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18