If I could sum up today’s quote in two words, they would be: Be grateful.
We can spend a lot of time thinking about what we want — what we don’t have or what we think we deserve. Oftentimes what we have is never enough and setting our minds on “wants” creates a mindset of discontent. And then we get whatever it is we want … and even that doesn’t satisfy because we want something else. We want more.
But if we devote ourselves to being grateful for what we have — even being thankful for small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10 NLT) — than we cultivate an attitude of contentment. What we have isn’t just good enough … it’s good.
One year I focused on the word “content,” as in being content. A memento from that year sits on the mantle in my living room: a small, hand-stitched sign that says, “Be happy with what you have.”
You know what I discovered that year? What I had was enough. What I had was really, really good — and I’m not just talking about the “stuff” I own. I’m talking about the people in my life — family and friends — and the opportunities that have come my way. Yes, I bought a lot less during those twelve months because I was happy with what I had. But I also saw more clearly past the things and counted the blessings of the relationships in my life.
In Your Words: If you stopped right now and looked up, looked around, what is one thing that you have that you would be thankful for?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”BUy7p” via=”yes” ]In Others\’ Words: Haves versus Wants http://wp.me/p63waO-2m5 #InOthersWords #begrateful[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”8jv66″ via=”yes” ]\”A man should always consider how much he has more than he wants.\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2m5 #quotes #begrateful[/ctt]
Comments 8
One, and more than twenty.
One wife, and that is the maximum number I can deal with.
Over twenty dogs, and there is room for more.
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Your answer put a smile on my face, Andrew. I liked the math involved. 🙂
Oh, so much, Beth. We have a home that we can open to others. I have to amazing boys who keep me drawing closer to Jesus. I have an amazing husband who loves me oh, so well. I have. Okay, I went way over one, but there you have it. 🙂
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I don’t think it is ever possible to be too grateful, Jeanne! 🙂
I am thankful for the blessing of air conditioning on this hot day. 🙂
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Melissa: Air conditioning is such a comfort, isn’t it? 🙂
A loving, Godly, husband.
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A wonderful reason to be thankful, Paula.