By Brenda Cannon Henley
I have long believed that our attitude greatly determines our level of gratitude. If we spend our time thinking about how many good things we have in our lives, we have little time to dwell on the bad or wrong things. And, I suppose this is a well-traveled two-way street. If our attitudes stink, then our levels of gratitude will be low or non-existent. In my new life without Ted, I have tried to find one thing each day to be truly grateful for in my surroundings, among my family and friends, or in something good that comes by way of a visit, mail, phone call, or email. And, I am pleased to report, hardly a day goes by that I cannot come up with something to thank God for before the sun goes down for the night. To be honest, some days require more thought, but once I put my heart into it, I can come up with something good.

Verse seven of Proverbs 23 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” If we develop gratitude in our heart, then our lives can radiate this truth to those we meet. Are we genuinely grateful for homes, family members, automobiles that operate correctly, jobs to go to by which we earn an honest living, good health, education, food, and so many other gifts that truly do come down from above, according to Scripture?

There is so much bickering, backbiting, gossip, jealousy, envy, greed, ill will, and plain out mischief (as my Mama Cole called it) that our lives are filled with turmoil and stress. If we don’t guard against it, these evil things will take up residence in our hearts, put down roots, and grow like non-tended weeds. I see and hear adults all of the time acting like first or second graders, whining, complaining, attacking, being vicious and unkind, and hurling hateful accusations right and left. “She didn’t even speak to me at the grocery store.” “Why, I wasn’t invited to their party.” “I thought she was my friend, but I found out that she isn’t.” “I don’t know what I did to them, but they don’t speak to me.” “She borrowed money and did not pay it back.” How often have you heard these same things in your life, and it seems especially true during the busy holiday season.

I was called on to mediate an unpleasant situation last week between two people that I both know and love. Each had good points and bad points. Both needed to talk out their problems and issues. As I sat and listened (and prayed), I thought to myself, “If both of these dear people would simply stop their bitter complaining about what all is wrong and simply spend the time being grateful for what is right, there would be no need for a meeting like this.”

I read about an idea that I liked immediately. In fact, I liked it so much that I have put parts of it into practice for my family members and close friends. I am naming it “The Gratitude Project,” and it is to last until this time next year. I urge office managers, parents, employers, supervisors, teachers, pastors, and others to implement this simple step in their circle of influence. Perhaps it will help to lessen tension, promote a more positive environment, and create a really good boost to being grateful. I have bought and created a small box for each person in my circle. I am asking a simple thing of the recipient. Every time something really good happens in their life in the coming twelve months, they are to stop and write down a brief phrase, a note, or just a few words. We are going to open these boxes next Christmas and I think we’ll be very surprised.

It is my contention that many good things come into our lives and we are so very busy that we simply forget about them. We go on with our busyness and do not stop to be grateful. We often do not thank God or the person who made the good thing happen. We seldom say “thank you” and mean it from the heart. Every age family member or student can participate, and every Gratitude Project box will hold different reasons for being thankful. I personally cannot wait to see what my own box will hold and I am very excited to see what my children and friends’ boxes unearth. Will you join me in creating at attitude of gratitude for all the good things God has given us? What will be your “all things?” Merry Christmas.

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God, and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)

(Re-post of an article first published 12/16/2014)

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, at
[email protected], or by using the contact form below.

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