Always Giving Thanks

Remember the recent popularity of Gratitude Journals? And hearing everywhere about the emotional benefits of practicing an "Attitude of Gratitude?"

I found a lot of value in that. After all, Ephesians 5:20 extolls, "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

(And that's how I evaluate pop-psychology, self-help concepts. First I look for a biblical basis. Second, and so much more scientific and analytical, they just have to feel right to me.)

But I did the whole gratitude thing wrong. Trying to develop an attitude of gratitude, I always started by mentally listing the Big Things: my loving husband, four wonderful children, a good home, health, and a great extended family, among other things.

And while I am sincerely, humbly, truly thankful for these treasures in my life, reducing them to a consistent litany detracted from a true sense of appreciation.

To me, "always giving thanks...for everything" means being thankful for the good, in spite of the bad, and not forgetting to be grateful for the little things that bring joy -- getting an extra hug from my husband, hearing a great song, or seeing the brilliant color of the leaves on our Japanese Maple tree today.

No writing stuff down. No scheduled thanksgiving times. No ponderous reflection. Just frequent and spontaneous appreciation -- taking time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, and being grateful that they're there.