«What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?» (Psalm 116:12).
Many hymns and songs have been composed about gratefulness; an attitude that is so necessary, which we don ‘t always keep in mind.
I immediately think of at least five of the songs with which I was raised. We have talked about the strong association established in the brain between words and melodies, something that can be reactivated in milliseconds even if they are songs we haven ‘t heard in years.
My family and I laugh because my brother-in-law can think of a song for almost every phrase we say. It’s true some people have developed that ability more than others, but anyhow I invite you to think of the most useful way for you to remember you should be grateful.
What do you turn to when you want to praise God? Do you think of the things He gives you? Do you think of the things He has saved you from?
Some people have notebooks where they jot down very specific reasons to be grateful. When a month is over, they re-read everything they wrote and are surprised by how many things they took for granted and forgot to be thankful for, and at the same time how many small little details God considered when blessing them.
On the other hand, if you don’t like writing so much, you can write words or draw pictures related to the blessing you received and put them in a jar to see them every now and then and notice how they accumulate.
You can send voice messages to your friends telling them why you are grateful and asking them to remind you of it when you’re discouraged, you can use a certain color to underline verses that make you feel grateful, you can give a special offering for something you have received, or help someone as well. There are no limits to creativity or gratefulness. Let’s also not forget the kind things others do for us. You can make a big difference in their day by simply saying, «Thank you! » It’s one of the healthiest and easiest ways to validate others.
Gratitude should not only be an occasional attitude, but a way of life. We should spend our whole day trying to be thankful.
As the hymn says, the voices of a million angels could not express our gratitude for His sacrifice, for what we are and ever hope to be. To God be the glory! He has done so much for us!
