It’s easy to get discouraged. Life can be difficult—especially when we’re struggling to get free of an addiction or trying to make significant changes or course corrections in our life. So much of our time seems to be spent in high-alert, trying not to follow old patterns, looking for healthier alternatives, attempting to deal with the residual consequences of past behaviors, or fighting against the shame and self-disgust that threatens to swallow us up. It can be absolutely exhausting.
The constant barrage of emotions and frustrations can easily lead to grumbling. A little anger may start to percolate just under the surface. We can feel ourselves slipping into that ugly pit of despair. Everything looks so bleak and unfair. We may not even realize what a dangerous path we’re on, but our hope is dying a painful death.
The last thing we feel at this point is gratitude. Life has given us a truckload of lemons and we are so sick of trying to make lemonade. But, as unlikely as it seems, gratitude is EXACTLY the thing that will help us rise above our dismal situation.
“Gratitude doesn’t change the scenery. It merely washes clean the glass you look through so you can clearly see the colors.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway
There are always two ways to look at things—through dark glasses that make everything look dull and depressing, or through clear eyes that stubbornly choose to seek out and concentrate on God’s blessings and the kindness and support of others.
It isn’t easy to switch our focus—especially when we’ve become accustomed to those muted views— but when we start to break through the shadows and acknowledge even a few of the positive things in our life—no matter how small they are—we automatically become more appreciative, more hopeful. It’s impossible to remain bitter, resentful, negative or depressed when our heart is full of thanks.
“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?” ― William Arthur Ward
“All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.”—Proverbs 15:15
What are you grateful for today?
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