Gratitude

I saw a quote recently from Crazy Cool Family which I’ve found both helpful and challenging:

“Being grateful turns the negative into positive”.

Looking at our photos of the last few weeks I have so much to be thankful for but it doesn’t always come naturally. I think we have a tendency to focus on the negative. I read recently that it takes 5 positive comments to counteract 1 negative comment.

In quite a few places in the Bible it talks about giving thanks in all circumstances or always giving thanks (Ephesians 5v20, 1 Thessalonians 5v18 etc.) I like this verse in Colossians 3V15:

" Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

I think the “And be thankful” coming straight after letting peace rule in your heart is sort of saying the way to keep peace in your heart is to be thankful. I last wrote about not chasing perfection and I think that’s linked to gratefulness because if you are only satisfied with perfect then you will focus on the 10% that is not perfect rather than be thankful for the 90% which is good.

So I’m thankful for some lovely family time recently - lovely Autumn walks, fireworks, sparklers, rainbows, puddles. A loving husband, a supportive family, encouraging friends, a beautiful home… Lots to be grateful for. Interspersed has been tired, whiny children, a fall out with Tim, a stress at work but focusing on gratefulness puts those to the bottom of the list of things to think about.

I’m also really thankful for everyone who reads this blog and the feedback I’ve received. My sister recently sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a little note encouraging me to keep writing. They have been a real encouragement and reminder of the hundreds of good things in my life and the privilege of being a mum to four wonderful children.