Choose to Express Gratitude
Gratitude is not the quiet game. It begs to be expressed, both to God and to others. “Silent gratitude,” Gladys Berthe Stern said, “isn’t much use to anyone.”
If I fail to choose gratitude, by default, I choose ingratitude. And once allowed into my life, ingratitude brings with it a lot of other undesirable companions that only succeed in tearing things up, then walking off with my joy. To not choose gratitude–daily and deliberately–is more costly than most realize.
Proud people are wrapped up in themselves. They think much of themselves and little of others. If people or circumstances don’t please or suit them, they are prone to whine or become resentful.
Anytime you hear yourself saying words that are contentious, complaining, or critical, rather than gracious, gentle, and godly … stop. Ask Him to forgive you. And seek forgiveness from those to whom–or in whose presence–you spoke.
More on Gratitude
Nancy Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada, Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2009).
Check out the Society of Mentors . This is a meeting of mentors who desire to personally grow while continually impacting others with reaching the world with the gospel.
