Thoughtful Thursday and Thankfulness...

Today I am thankful for this word of wisdom I found while studying a bit about Gratitude.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."~~Melody Beattie

I came across this quote last night. When I read it, it was as if the light was turned on in a darkened room. I really don't know how else to explain it. I think Oprah used to call it an "Ah ha moment". Whatever it was, the truth of the statement rang so clearly, that it startled me. If we could show some thankfulness, if we could be satisfied with what we have, with what we've been given...it will unlock the fulness of life.

I believe that God has given me everything - all the tools - that I need to be happy. I just need to use them, to apply them, to put them to work. I have met and have heard about people that are never happy because they are always looking for more. They are never satisfied with where they are. I am not against following your dreams and bettering yourself -I am talking about those that wallow in self-pity or spend all their time and energy on moving to the top. Only to get there and realize that it still does not bring them happiness.

I heard a man say, "If you don't have what you like, learn to like what you have." Wow. That would save many of us so much drama. We live in a world where instant gratification is key. Bigger is better. Well, guess what? It isn't the key and it isn't always better. Once you've been there, done that - you realize that SIMPLE is key and ENOUGH is best.

Did you read the part of the quote that said "It turns problems into gifts, failures into success..."? How could that be? Well, it's all in an attitude of gratitude. I live in Southern California and the traffic here leaves something to be desired, to say the least. When traffic is completely stopped sometimes (a lot of times) and I know I'm going to be late for something, I have to realize that I can do nothing about it and that maybe whoever is the cause of the delay is having a worse day than me. I then say a prayer that whatever it is, that no one is hurt or in danger. Am I holier than thou or a spiritual giant? Hardly. I have just realized to be thankful in all things.

About two and a half years ago, God did some big things in my family. I was scared, confused, saddened - I felt lost. I didn't see how our situation could ever be looked at "for the good". Guess what? It was. God had a plan. Was it my plan? Oh, no. No way. We only see what's in front of us, but He sees the big picture.

What has gone on or is going on in your life that you were upset or bitter or hurt about? Can you try and find gratitude in it? Can you find the courage, the strength to accept it? If you can, you may find yourself feeling more free, more complete, more happy and more empowered than you ever have.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ...and be ye thankful.