develop an everyday attitude of gratitude
When Nancy Kirk’s newly-adopted baby woke up crying for the 20th night in a row, the sleep-deprived new mom wasn’t annoyed. Instead, she was thankful that she had a beautiful child to care for and love. When a shoplifter stole precious items from Kirk, she didn’t get mad. Instead, she was grateful that she’d never had to steal to provide for her family. When her son was in a terrible accident, Kirk didn’t blame God. No, she thanked Him that her son’s life was spared.
“When I became a Christian, I found one of the oddest injunctions was to ‘be thankful for everything,’” Kirk says. “But I tried it anyway ... Making thankfulness a habit reminds you of how much is right with the world, when the temptation is to focus on what’s wrong with it.”
Kirk, author of the newly released BIG Little Book of Thank You Notes, says being thankful should be part of our daily lives — not just something we think about during the holiday season. Her advice?
Do something every day to grow a grateful heart on the inside of you. Here are four things to get you started:
1. Keep a Prayer Journal: Instead of using this as a “gimme list,” write notes of praise to God and thank Him for all the blessings in your life.
2. Write One Thank-you Note Each Day: Write a quick thank-you note to someone every single day — a boss, a colleague, a relative, a friend, your pastor, etc.
3. Send Thanksgiving Cards: Instead of sending the typical Christmas letter this year, why not use your energy to write Happy Thanksgiving cards and send those out this month? That’s what Kirk does. Her cards read: “At this time of year we pause to count our blessings…Consider yourself counted.”
4. Share Light & Life’s Encouragement Postcards: Take a moment to detach the two postcards from this issue of the magazine, write an uplifting note, add a 26-cent stamp and voilá — your thankfulness has been paid forward!
why worry ... be thankful
Of course you love the holidays — who doesn’t? It’s preparing for the holidays that stresses us out and steals our joy. It doesn’t have to, according to Elaine Bloom, a professional organizer from Maplewood, NJ (www.organizeit.com).
“Just keep in mind what the holidays are really about,” she suggests. “It’s not about gilding a hundred pinecones or getting a lot of gifts. It’s a time to remember the meaning and significance of the holiday.”
With that truth in mind, don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself. Simplify and enjoy every minute of this holiday season. Here are five ways to make your holiday season less stressful.
1. Simple Entertaining: Instead of using your good china and Grandma’s silver atop your freshly-pressed antique lace tablecloth, opt for decorative paper plates and matching plastic utensils.
“It makes clean up much easier,” Bloom explains. “And, I can tell you from plenty of personal experience that people never notice. They are much more interested in the company and food.
These little board books are a great way to get the kiddos thinking about praising God all day long, all year long — not just at Thanksgiving.
Why I Thank You, God
Why I Praise You, God
Concordia Publishing House (2006) |
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2. Order In: If you’re constantly cooking during the holidays, you probably won’t enjoy it very much — unless you’re a true chef-at-heart! Order food from your favorite restaurant instead, and let somebody else do the cooking for your holiday gatherings and dinners.
3. Shop at Home: That way, you can shop at your convenience while relaxing in your EasyChair. Whether you order presents from catalogues, home shopping TV channels or online, you’ll avoid the packed shopping malls and crazy traffic.
4. Don’t Over-schedule: With church parties, family gatherings, work-related outings and other holiday happenings, you’re sure to be quite busy in November and December, so make sure you schedule a little downtime for yourself. Remember, it’s OK to say no to some invitations.
5. Be Happy: Happiness is a choice, so choose it every day. Live with an attitude of gratitude and stop complaining.
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