Having a grateful heart opens your life up to many more blessings. Practicing gratitude is such a powerful way to grow closer to your loved ones and to grow closer to Christ. Not to mention, it’s the best way to becoming content with your life, and that is something that is lost today in the world of materialism. Showing gratitude in the everyday moments is a simple yet powerful skill. Here are some easy tips to start!
SHOWING GRATITUDE EVERYDAY
PRAYER
The first, and perhaps most important, place to begin with gratitude is in prayer. No matter your prayer routine, be sure to include moments in which you tell God what you are thankful for. How has He blessed you this day? Even the smallest things, like the weather or hot coffee, can be directed to our Lord. I like to practice the 3×5 prayer method suggested by Fr. Mark Mary Ames in his book Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress. It’s been a game changer for me!
JOURNALING
Another simple yet powerful way to reflect on gratitude is by journalling. I do not journal normally, but I find it comforting to sit down at the end of the day and list out all of the things, people and moments that have blessed my life that day. Creating a gratitude journal would be a wonderful thing to look back upon as years go by! This can also be incorporated with prayer.
THANKFUL AT DINNER
Eating dinner as a family is so important and is a habit I pray you all have! So while everyone is gathered around the table is the perfect time to share gratitude! Just after saying grace, go around the table and allow everyone to say what they are most thankful for that day. This practice isn’t just for Thanksgiving, include it every day! It’s also a great way to see what is on the hearts of your children.
Learn about the Tradition of the Family Meal here!
SEND THANKS
Another physical way to show your gratitude is by sending out thank you notes. I am not just saying after receiving a gift (although that is a wonderful practice too!) but anytime you notice someone is on your mind. Perhaps God is putting them on your heart and what better way to show you are thinking of something then by sending them a thank you note. Tell them you are thankful for their friendship, for always being there, or for something or some way they’ve affected your life. And while I love sending and receiving actual mail (I miss the art of a handwritten letter!), sending an e-card or just a well-written text message is still wonderful!
“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” // Psalm 107:1
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Showing gratitude is a beautiful and meaning practice, not only because it makes people feel good, it also changes your outlook on things. Practicing gratitude is also a wonderful example to our children, showing that beyond just normal manners, being thankful for the things we have sends a powerful message.
+AMDG+
