Choose gratitude in your attitude to find more contentment
Choose gratitude in your attitude to find more contentment
I’ve been feeling tired lately.
Though things have been good in my life, sickness and an overbooked schedule leave me feeling like I want to run away from it all.
Just for awhile.
To be honest, I looked at our ridiculous schedule and felt a pang of resentment. At having no time to do “things” I feel need my attention.
No Bible study, no writing, no creative outlets, no returned phone calls…
And let’s be REALLY honest, (though it pains us to admit it), we feel a teensy bit resentful when things bog down our plans.
A tremendous bit resentful when no one (insert pathetic music mamas will appreciate) even appreciates us and our sacrifice.
“Gratitude, warm, sincere, intense, when it takes possession of the bosom, fills the soul to overflowing and scarce leaves room for any other sentiment or thought.” John Quincy Adams
What does it mean to choose gratitude?
We cry out to God and beg him to remind us that these times are precious. That He would shower down grace to allow us to be bigger than our pettiness.
To open our eyes to the luxury of these things.
Things we chose to put on the calendar. Sure, they feel chaotic at times. Yet, isn’t chaos relative?
“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”– Brene Brown
Tomorrow morning my sister takes her tiny daughter into the hospital for surgery. A tumor by her brain stem, a Posterior Fossa Tumor. Big words. Big fears
And I again am humbled, deeply brought down low with shame.
“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”– Cynthia Ozick
Why is gratitude important?
Chaos is relative.
What would any parent give who has a sick child to choose my meager challenge of a full calendar? It IS stressful to be pulled in too many directions. But I think of my sister. Of the many like her. And I choose gratitude for my life.
I have been in the hospital with a child and no answers. I remember being faced with the truth, God is the only comfort that exists in our darkest moments.
And I pray.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid–John 14:27
Resources to encourage gratitude:
- The Contentment Journal
- Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Contentment
- How to Keep House While Drowning: 31 days of compassionate help
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Praying for your neice, your sister and your bogged down-ess. May his peace be with you Christa.
Wow. So true, my friend! Thanks for the reminder — I needed to hear this tonight. Praying for your niece right now!
This is such a good reminder for us all. I too have been overwhelmed by my life lately. But I am healthy. My children are healthy. Life is good. Chaos, as you say, is relative. I will pray for your sister and niece.
Prayers for your niece! And so true about the scheduling.
Prayers for all of you. I’ll try to see the gift in the chaos, today.
You speak for all of us, Christa. Thank you. I pray for peace for you, and healing for your niece.
Wow! Thanks. I needed this today. Prayed for you niece now. Hope the surgery went well today.
Thank you for your reminder to revel in the chaos of my day……
but please know that in the midst of all of it I will be praying for baby + family and for her medical team……please keep us posted…….
Thank you Christa for your words. I too have been struggling with juggling things while I am in a bad flare-up and my extreme tiredness. When I read about your niece the other day, that brought me to tears as well like you, humbled me. I suffer daily with pain and extreme fatigue but your sister and niece brought me out of my self pity to pray for them and of course others. Even though I pray daily, I wonder to myself why me with this disabling disease. Then I think to myself many haven’t even lived to my age. I am blessed. I have someone in my life that takes care of me in every sense of the word. I need to concentrate more on my blessings than my pain and I felt ashamed. I need to say no more often and I know this.
I am so glad that the surgery went well and I am praying for a quick recovery. b
That bible verse was perfect for that is what I pray for most is that I feel His peace and love during this storm that I am weathering.
Love and prayers always!
Sorry to not respond to individual comments this week, thank you all. I enjoyed reading each one and am always glad to hear your input