If you were to ask most people, “Are you grateful?” The resounding answer would be, yes!
I have often asked myself the same question and have given the same answer. However lately, the more I began to think about it and look into what gratitude really means, I was not so sure.
The English Oxford Living Dictionary defines gratitude as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. I am certain that most of us have the quality of being thankful. We look at our families, homes, possessions, and experiences and are thankful for them. Yet, do we always have a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness?
That is where I got caught up and became unsure of how grateful I truly am. I started to realize that a lot like love, gratitude also requires action. Our attitude and actions must match our actions. Expressing gratitude should be a way of life.
We cannot just be grateful and show appreciation when we first get something or at the beginning of something. Everything is new and great in the beginning. Yet, as time goes on and you get comfortable often your attitude changes as well. A lot like in our relationships.
I remember when my husband, Eric, and I first started dating. I thought he was so sweet. We were always showing appreciation and love to each other.
Then we got engaged. Although we were focusing a lot on the wedding, we made sure that the other knew how important we were to each other and not to make it all about the actual wedding.
Then came marriage and a few babies in a baby carriage. Life started to take new twists and turns.
When the newness of things wears off and things just seem to be a part of our lives it can be easy to lose the readiness to show appreciation. The things we once prayed for, later received, and were once so grateful; we no longer show gratitude for.
Are we still grateful for them? Yes. Our husbands and families are such a blessing. It is just that we do not often show the gratitude we once did.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
Having an attitude of gratitude cannot simply stay as thoughts, they have to also transfer to our actions. So this month we are going to do just that.
We are going to look at different ways how being more grateful and showing gratitude can change us, our homes, and our marriages. Are you with me?
I’d love to know areas or ways you can show more gratitude in the comments!
I love your take on gratitude and it’s a characteristic that people tend to overlook. It’s super important!
I’m, at times, neglectful of showing my gratitude for the life I’ve been given. When I consider where I’ve come from, what I’ve accomplished and the prospects for my future, I become ashamed that I’m not more appreciative. Thank you for the reminder to always show gratitude.
Great post! Very inspiring and good reminders to add gratitude to my daily routine!
Great post. Thank you for the reminder to show action of my gratefulness.
As strange as this sounds, I’ve learned gratitude through teaching it to my children!
That is not strange at all, Rachel, because I can say the same. I often find I learn so much from teaching and sharing with others, especially my girls. 💕
Gratitude is truly everything! A grateful heart can accomplish much!
So true, Erin.
I agree. I feel like when you are grateful you show how you are grateful. By doing a number of things, but I love to serve and show my gratitude that way!
Serving and showing gratitude with actions is so important, Alyssa. 💕
What a lovely message and family pics 🙂
Thanks so much, Cristina.
Wonderful post. Made me think about gratitude in a new way. Thank you!
Returning the kindness, wow, that’s something I should think about. Thank you.
It’s so easy to get comfortable and start taking things for granted. We are grateful in our hearts but actions need to be demonstrated as well. The simplest things like saying please and thank you go a long way! Thanks for this beautiful post!
You have such a beautiful family!! You all look so joyful and that is definitely something to be grateful for. XO ~Anna
I love this! It is so important to tell the people we love how grateful we are for them. It’s crazy how a simple comment can go a long ways, especially on a hard day. And yes yes yes. Gratitude is more than just “words”. It’s all about action!
What a lovely post! Gratitude is so important to remember
What a great reminder! Where there’s gratitude, there’s also action, which I’m always working on 🙂
So much in our lives to be thankful for yet we always focus on the shortcomings. Thanks for the eye opening reminder
I love this so much! You guys are such a beautiful family!
Wow Ayanna!! I never knew about the second half of gratitude – paying it forward. I have got to start practicing the second part immediately!!
Gratitude should be everyday 365 days a year. There is so much to give everyday.
Showing gratitude for the things that you have in life is one of the simplest things you can do. It also makes you feel amazing!
What a great message. I think joy and gratitude go hand in hand, hard to be grateful and NOT also end up joyful. Thanks for the post!
This is such a great reminder– actions to match attitudes! Thanks for sharing.
Your family is beautiful!
I also love the idea of the flavors of the month! Super neat!
gratitude also requires action. That’s is awesome. A great reminder to be grateful.
I have my 7 year old complete a gratitude journal every day. 3 things he was grateful for the day before and 1 thing he is looking forward to for the day. It’s so fun to read his entries! Plus it’s great writing practice!
I’ve added saying thank you as my new way of setting intentions for the day. It makes sense to big difference.