A grateful heart
is an open window
that allows the whole house
to be filled
with fresh air.

Just unlock
and lift…
let the breeze love you.

God blows graces into our lives like breezes, freely and constantly-whether we deserve them or not. Generosity is who He is. But too often, we’re so focused on our own struggles that we miss out on experiencing His love for us. Too often, we reject graces because we fail to acknowledge their presence in our lives.

Hellen Keller said “So much has been given to me; I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied.” Clearly due to the challenges of being deaf, blind and mute, she could have justified a life of self pity. Instead with a heart full of gratitude, she inspired us all with a life of courage and grace.

Regardless of challenges we’re facing, we can choose to be grateful for our blessings, like Helen was. To fully embrace the graces God has for us, we need to open the window of our hearts with gratitude in spite of our struggles. Here are a few ways we can begin to do this:

• Keep Gratitude Journal (try listing five things you’re grateful for each day to start).
• Tell your favorite people how much you appreciate them.
• Say thank you to teachers, waitresses, grocery store clerks, dentists and other helpers in your daily lives.
• Resist the temptation to complain.
• Pay attention to the beauty of nature, things that make you laugh, favorite feelings and things thagt bring you joy!
• Basically, follow Saint Paul’s advice from Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things and the God of peace will be with you.”

Gratitude is a simple and life changing practice. I hope you open the window of your heart with gratitude and experience an outpouring of God’s spirit today!

Lord, open our hearts to see and experience the blessings you have for us. Help us to truly appreciate all the wonderful things you do for us, so we can experience more love in our lives and pass it on to those, who need it most. Give us the grace to do as we’re taught in 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 and “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

What are you most grateful for today? Do you notice changes in how you feel about life when you take time to practice gratitude? Comment below, and I’ll be happy to lift you up in prayer. 

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