Years ago I started a nightly tradition with my two daughters. Before bed we will share three things we were thankful for today. It is a simple task, but one I have deeply appreciated. For me, it is a way to end my day being reminded to give thanks for all that God has done.

As busy ministry leaders I know that you struggle to keep up with demands and stresses. I have heard you express frustrations with deadlines, finances, relationships and communication. There is much that drains you and sometimes even the simplest of tasks seems overwhelming.

If that is you today, if you feel burdened and stressed I want to encourage you – you can find your way through the challenges. To begin I want to encourage you to do one simple thing. Discover the power of gratitude.

While gratitude is no magic bullet it does have the power to change. Here are six ways that an attitude of gratitude has impacted me.

Gratitude…

Inspires me: It lifts my spirit. Encourages me. Gratitude shifts my focus from what my life lacks to the abundance that is already present. My life is filled with good gifts. What a blessing!

Humbles me: I spend way too much time thinking about myself and not enough about others. By being thankful I recognize I am fallible and need God, others, my family and friends every day.

Makes me optimistic: When I focus on the good of my current life, it compels me to believe that my future life will be filled with good as well.

Makes me healthier: Yeah, really. The emotions of appreciation and gratitude are shown to induce the relaxation response as well as reduce depressive symptoms and lower blood pressure! Not to mention that multiple studies have linked gratitude with improved sleep quality. Wow! [1]

Increases my ministry capacity: The very nature of gratitude is to focus on something other than yourself. When my mind gets directed towards thankfulness I am much more readily able to respond in godliness. Trials seem smaller and my heart tends to be more compassionate.

Improves leadership effectiveness: Criticism comes way too easy for me. However, I have learned that good leaders have captured the power of gratitude. The employee’s will be more enthusiastic to work with us and for us when we thank them. (seems pretty obvious) Their creativity will increase and work will simply be more fun.

Take a moment…

Imagine a world of gratitude. Can you picture it? What is different?

Imagine a workplace of gratitude. What do you see?

  • Joy?
  • Genuine peace of mind?
  • Servanthood?
  • Emotional and spiritual growth?
  • Positivity?
  • Cooperation?

I encourage you to spend some time today reflecting in thankfulness. Look around, count your blessing. Write them down in a journal. Share them with a friend. Talk to God in prayer and thank him for filling your life with blessings. Turn your hearts to God in gratitude and see if your day might become a bit brighter.

Growth Point

Be thankful! It can gradually change your life.

Scripture Point

Colossians 3:15-17.

Action Point

Determine a way that you will integrate thankfulness into your day. (Journal, sharing, prayer) Make a plan to specifically do this action today. When will you do it? What will you need to accomplish this?

 

[1] http://happierhuman.com/benefits-of-gratitude/