ATTITUDES

I refuse to go on to Christmas and Advent until after Thanksgiving is over.  WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!  BUT---at times---I am so focused on what I do not have---that I forget all that I am blessed with.  How do we change our attitudes---how do we learn to focus on the positive rather than the negative?  How do we form a habit of habitual gratitude?  You will be happy to know I did some research.

Making something into a habit---varies---what a shocker.   It depends upon the habit you are trying to form, the personality of the person trying to form the habit, the environment or context you find yourself in, and the ability to be consistent.  The days to form new habits ranged from 18 to 254.  THAT is a HUGE range!  

During prayer, thanksgiving is part of my formula ALWAYS!  BUT I am not praying every minute of every day.  I am thinking a great deal of God---but that does not always transfer to thanksgiving.  Recently I watched a show in which one of the characters challenged her friends to find 3 things at the end of each day to verbally be thankful for.  They did it together for a period of time.  I really liked this idea.  Instead of giving a blanket thanks--why not pick out specific things about your day that you are thankful for and verbalize them.  In my mind, when we stop and consider our day---and remember all that we have to be grateful for---and acknowledge---out loud---three of the most significant, we have the starting of a habit.  Pick a period of time to try this challenge.  I do suggest at least two weeks.  See if it make a change in your attitude and banishes those "if only's".  Today is a good day to start your new habit!

"Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing ,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of 

God in Christ Jesus

for you."

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV