Gratitudes & Living Well

I am forever amazed at all of the reasons I have to be thankful for when I take a moment to consider them. This past year has been no different. We have been blessed beyond what we deserve, even in the midst of struggles. All too often I find myself guilty of not taking the time to be mindful of them, as they are happening. Getting caught up in the rush of life and the things we do will cause one to only be mindful of the details before us. NOT the multitude of reason to be thankful. It's a sad situation and a missed opportunity when we fail to notice and express gratitude. "Thank you" are two simple words that are not hard to pronounce, but sorely lacking in society today. I have seen shocked looks when a "Thank you" has been spoken for a kindness given. It is so seldom heard from individuals that the recipient doesn't seem to know how to respond. In a world of "me first", kindness towards another is in short supply. Demanding of one's rights over the rights of another is too often seen and can lead to a critical spirit of why bother. A return to the civilities of years pass will go a long ways toward peaceful living in the masses if implemented in our lives on a daily basis. The Bible speaks very clear of this in several verses, not as something to be considered but as a permanent part of our daily lives. I offer a challenge to all who will be willing to give this a try:

*Offer a smile to everyone you see.

*Look people in the eye when speaking to them.

*Let others go first, either in line or on the road( a major issue I know)

*Say Thank You for any measure of kindness or help from someone (especially family members).

*Speak in a soft voice.

*Forget your rights to _______ in light of someone else's need.

*Give words of encouragement.

*Be friendly.

*Offer a helping hand.

*Be ready to listen.

*Thank God for the ability to be used in some one's life.

Many more could be added, but each person has weaknesses and opportunities uniquely their own. In doing a search of our hearts, souls and minds, we will discover areas that need to be polished up in our lives. There is always room for improvement in any one of us, myself included. Let's make 2009 a year of considering one an other's interest more than our own. A happier and healthier world is available if we will only take one step toward being thankful for and to those around us.

Gratitude for everything, even the little things will add up to living well. Being thankful for ALL things and being mindful of reasons to be thankful will give us the opportunity to live well. I believe living well is a reflection of a grateful heart, being appreciative of the smallest of details that cross our paths. Acknowledging that God is watching over us and providing exactly what we need. What do you have to be thankful for in the past year? Are you willing to take the challenge I've issued to myself? I would love to hear your individual stories of success. I will try to post mine through out the next year, as a way of being accountable. To express gratitude in those moments in time as they occur.

Gratitude=Living Well!

Deborah