The 10 Ways to Practice #Gratitude

This week we will gather virtually or in smaller gatherings around the table to feast and reflect. And most of us will be posting pictures that highlight the best versions of our gratitude, thankfulness, and blessings.

But what about all the other days? The days which don’t provoke us to gratitude; when we don’t feel so thankful. And perhaps because, 2020, and our traditions are unable to be fulfilled, gratitude isn’t brimming in our hearts this week.

This is why creating a culture of reading the Word is critical. Scripture reminds you who God is, and when your circumstances don’t scream goodness, you put His Words in your mind and declare His truth with your mouth.

The number one way to practice gratitude is adoration. The practice of adoration is one of the primary outcomes of reading Scripture with your family.

As you read God’s Word, you are reminded of His character, your need for Christ, and your ultimate hope. Scripture even has the power to heal our disappointed hearts.

Gathering the family around familiar or unfamiliar passages of Scripture can help steer the conversation to less temporal pleasures. And though the seasonal delights are enjoyable, your kids (and you) will find lasting joy as you turn your gaze on the lasting treasure.

So, as you open the Bible a little more this week and read aloud with your family, we want to champion you with our Simple Advent Reading Plan and support you with a few ideas to inspire gratitude this week and in the weeks to come.

1. Adoration – THIS resource is our favorite.
2. Journal – Keep a private list or family notebook of answered prayers.
3. Speak it out – Take time to share at meals or prayer times to share gratefulness.
4. Thank the people in your home – Don’t forget to speak out praise or thanks!
5. Write a note of thankfulness – Whether they are near or far, take time to write it down.
6. Get outside – Practice awe and wonder over God’s creation.
7. Post a family gratitude list – Put a piece of paper on the fridge and write your blessings.
8. Celebrate – Even when your gratitude feels short in supply, celebrate anyway.
9. Seek goodness – Sometimes, the negative outweighs the positive, but search out God’s blessings and handiwork.
10. Begin and end the day with praise – Praise Him with your words, worship, and prayer.

Remember, this isn’t another to-do list or an effort to over-simplify life’s more challenging moments. The power to shift our thoughts rest alone in the Word of God.

Will you join us this holiday season as we read God’s word together and position our hearts to cultivate an attitude of gratitude?

Lord, would you open our eyes to all the ways You are active in our lives. The big and small ways that you love to provide and care for us. Even as things look different and events are out of our control, we praise You for never leaving or forsaking us. We ask for grateful hearts today.