You Inspire Me Book Reading: Heart of Gratitude

Hello, beautiful people!  This is actually something that I needed today- for what I'm going through specifically. Let me share with you an excerpt from You Inspire Me.  It's called Heart of Gratitude.

Wear your gratitude like the blood that courses through your heart. Be sure to visit the altar of gratitude as often as you reach for your cell phone, turn on a light at home, walk to the refrigerator for a snack, use a clean fluffy towel, or use your key to unlock the door to your home. Focus on the pluses and positives of your life. Be thankful for all the extras. Show your thank you.

We complain about things that could always be worse. Whenever I find myself complaining about too many dirty dishes to wash, I can hear my Grandma Mary whisper, “You better be glad you got them dirty dishes. Means you had food to eat.” Working as a representative in the accounting department at a local home warranty company, I’d look at my paycheck every six months or so, with all the standard deductions for Social Security, FICA and Medicare, and think without fail, “If I could just get fifty cents more an hour my life would improve.” Maybe you’re discomforted with having just enough to pay your bills or feel you’re barely scraping by. Again, my Grandma Mary would warn, “Child, be grateful. Think of the people somewhere who don’t even have just enough. And don’t have the luxury of paying that bill.”

Make a vow today that you will not complain. The less we complain and the more we give thanks, the happier we’ll find ourselves. Don’t allow other people’s standards of living make you feel inadequate or frustrated.

Maybe your home doesn’t have a master bath or a spectacular kitchen with the coveted granite and top of the line stainless steel package. The electricity and water at your house is just as good as at a millionaire’s estate. When we choose to be less pre-occupied with what someone else has on their plate and focus on our own reality, our blessings become more obvious. When you know that there are plenty of people praying for or looking for what you already have, hold your blessings close. Cherish and appreciate the beauty- even in all its imperfections.

There isn’t a single thing wrong with working toward improving your life and growing as much as you can. However, finding contentment, in every circumstance, is a great tool once mastered. Instead of expecting things to be as they “should” be, respect them as they are. Just where you are, just as you are, with what you have, enjoy your life today. Acknowledge the victory in your life right now, no matter how small.

I can remember a day when I was just having a horrible time. My computer had to be completely reset because of a virus. All my files were lost and I no longer had access to Microsoft Office. So frantic, I could barely think of solutions. Then, the Lord reminded me that I could just log in to my account. None of my files could be retrieved, but I could re-install Microsoft Word. Small victories invigorate and give us hope.

Having trouble tapping into your gratitude? Try this exercise. Think of all you do have. Make a list if you’d like,

of everything that matters to you. Now consider how you’d feel if it was all taken away. Instead of sulking and pouting when life doesn’t go your way and letting the world know how upset you are, choose to be gracious.

Life is far from perfect. It doesn’t always flow as the plans in our minds or the dreams in our hearts. No matter what’s going on in your life or how you feel in this moment, you are blessed in at least one hundred ways. Be grateful for everyone who brings you joy and comfort. Thank everyone who helps or serves you in any way. Even without a sprawling estate, be grateful that home is where love is abundantly obvious. All the little bothersome details that once rattled us disappear, when we are grateful for all the Lord sees fit to and finds pleasure in doing for us.

 

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Thank you for spending a little time with me! 

Blessings & love,

Leya Allen