Attitude of Graitutude

Photo by Heather

As I look on social media throughout the month of November, I see all the thankful posts.  

It has gotten me thinking, why don't we share what we are thankful for all year instead of just November?

I also think that maybe some people feel like they must post something they are thankful for because everyone else is doing it.  

While doing so may bring our own blessings to our attention, I cannot help but think of those who are worn out from the stress and demands of taking care of a family.

Sometimes it may seem really hard to to be grateful. Especially, when you have a mountain of dishes, the never ending basket of laundry, and the trail of dirt and dust from the traffic that constantly moves through your home. Not to mention, having to shop for groceries to keep a good supply of food for the big appetites that continue to grow.

Just thinking about this makes me feel overwhelmed at times. If I put too much thought into it I will start to have anxiety about it all.

I will also get caught up in a pity party while I wash dishes.  I will start thinking I am the only one that ever washes the dishes, I do all the cooking and cleaning, and no one appreciates what I do. 

Thinking that way is not good for me or those around me.

This is when I must remember to go to the Lord and have my mind renewed. This is the time I have to ask God to help me see my blessings. Being overwhelmed can blind us and cause us to miss our blessings.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

When I get overwhelmed by the demands of being a wife and mom, I turn to Philippians 4:6-7. This helps me to check my attitude and gives me a new perspective.

After I have evaluated my attitude, read those verses out loud, and prayed, I feel more at peace with myself and my family. I will actually have an attitude of gratitude.

Then, I can move forward with the tasks at hand.

While washing the dishes, I will give God praise and thank him for the food we had to eat. I thank him for the money to provide the food and for giving me hands and tools to use to prepare the food.

When I do the laundry, I thank God for clothes to wear and for a way to clean them.

When sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping I thank God for all the people and pets who are in our home. I thank him that I am not alone.

Renewing my mind in this way is not only a blessing to me, but also for my family. When I have a more grateful attitude and I am filled with joy, so are they. 

Thinking this way also helps me to see blessings in ordinary and mundane days. 

I don't want to just have and attitude of gratitude one month out of the year. I want it to last all 365 days of the year. 

I wish I could say I always have this attitude, but I can't. However, I can say, the Lord is still working on me and I am growing more and more each day. 

If you are overwhelmed by demands in your life, I want to encourage you to seek the Lord.  Ask him to help you see your blessings and give him praise.  Sometimes it is hard to see our blessings when we are too swamped by things needing our attention. 

I pray that you will see many blessings in your life as we walk through this holiday season and new year. I hope you will feel more blessed and less overwhelmed.