Thankfulness has changed my life. In 2012, a wonderful friend and mentor of mine, Roxanne Parks challenged a group of us to keep a cumulative list of everything for which we are thankful.
I began my own list immediately with the names of my family members. Before long I had written a hundred reasons I was thankful for my family. I have continued the list, which now has nearly four thousand items. I turn to it daily.
I began my own list immediately with the names of my family members. Before long I had written a hundred reasons I was thankful for my family. I have continued the list, which now has nearly four thousand items. I turn to it daily.
It is a perspective changer.
Thankfulness enables the type of emergency attitude adjustment you need when your husband buys you a treadmill for your birthday (oh yes he did!).
Chances are you feel insulted at the implication that you are not already perfectly fit and attractive. When you sense your anger beginning to erupt (is there really a beginning of an eruption that is gentle?), turn to God and ask Him to give you a heart of gratitude. Your view of the entire situation will change as you realize the seemingly tactless gift comes from a place of love: your husband cares about your health and longevity. Of course, he probably cares about your body in other ways, too, but he means well. Intentions = pure. Before you know it, your sentiment has shifted from indignation to affection, and you have avoided a fight with your husband—all because you chose to PAUSE and be thankful.
Mothers have particular need for the optimistic, patient, generous frame of mind gratitude produces. Those little ones can test the limits of oneself. (insert stressed out grin here)
This need is amplified in mothers who elect to undertake the demanding task of homeschooling. As you beat your head against the wall in your closet – on a daily basis – wondering WHY oh WHY did you take on this task, you might find yourself needing a perspective change!
I know how discouraging it can be when your children are running amok and refusing to focus on their schoolwork. One kid is crying because she cannot spell the word ‘sock.’ Another manages only fifty-percent accuracy on a math exercise (And you couldn’t even grade the math without the answer key and are pretty such you couldn’t do the work if you tried. In fact, you want to scream out – you will probably never use this!! Why are we doing this?) You find yourself doubting you have what it takes to homeschool your children.
In this lowest of low moment, do not, I repeat, do not succumb to this negative outlook—it is what the enemy wants!
He wants you to feel defeated so you will abandon the purposes God has for your life.
Instead of despairing,
Search your heart for all of the reasons you treasure each child, why you homeschool, why you value the time even when you want to punch yourself out from frustration.
As you are thankful, love will surge through you and renew your resolve to teach your children.
I believe it is a command to be thankful.
Paul exhorted the Colossian church, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. … And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:15–17 NIV).
Thankfulness is THE GAME CHANGER
It’s a path to peace in our lives.
It’s a path to peace in our lives.
Who doesn’t want peace?!
Isn’t that what we are all searching for?
When we choose to seek God and thank Him, it takes our minds off the opportunity to be offended or angry or disheartened. We remember the love that strengthens our relationships and unifies our families.
How has being thankful saved your bacon? Or how has NOT being grateful kicked you in the booty?
Love,
Sheri
I challenge you to start your thankfulness journal today.
sheriyates.com 
So needed this today!!!! My mom is back from rehab which means we are taking care of her again. 8-0 Yes, definitely needed to hear this. Thanks Sheri!!
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Awesome Susan!
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