“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8 NLT
A critical part of my evening Examen is when I consider my day and consider, “What am I grateful for today?” Everyone should work on developing a “gratitude attitude”. As disciples, we are instructed to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV). So it’s important as I survey my day I allow some time to think about what I am grateful for.
It’s easy to be worn down by life. Yet, among all those annoyances there are bright gems of hope. I remember years ago when my daughter was small that it was essential I left my work outside the front door. Once in the house, it was play and story time. I was so grateful for her and knocked out by her love for me that it was sheer delight having moments of pure joy, no matter the crises that awaited me the next day.
Often we become so absorbed with difficult things that we miss moments of wonder that cross our path every day. I am so glad I created so many memories that my daughter and I can chat and laugh about. Fun and joy supply the foundation to all great friendships. Without fostering the ability to find something worthy of praise throughout our day, we shall lose heart and often become over-critical and negative.
I used to struggle to find things to give thanks for. Now I find moments of celebration throughout my day and reconsider them at day’s end. This practice has established a ‘glass half-full’ attitude within me. Changing my attitude and building positive behaviours are directly related to the effort I make to become who I believe God wants of me and what I encounter in scripture.
QUESTION
Take time to consider something from your day for which you are grateful.
PRAYER
Lord, whatever has happened this day, I know that you love me through Jesus Christ and that you have been with me today. For that grace and more, I am grateful.
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