The Gift of Gratefulness
“What if you woke up tomorrow, with only the things you were grateful for today?”
As I read that quote on Facebook, I suddenly realized how much more time I spent complaining rather than thanking God for the many blessings I had received.
For example, for months I had grumbled about the nausea and vomiting my pregnancy was causing, when really, I am so grateful to have this new life growing inside of me.
I had been venting to friends about my toddler’s terrible two behavior when really, I am so blessed to be his mother.
I had been discouraged by small setbacks at church work and slow to acknowledge the amazing miracles God was performing each day in our members.
Gratefulness is one of the most important character traits to cultivate. Not only does it increase our happiness, but also leads to giving and service, as we realize just how much we have.
Here are some other benefits to gratitude that researchers have discovered:
1) Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. According to a 2014 study published in Emotion, thanking a new acquaintance is more likely to lead to long-term relationships.
2) Gratitude improves physical health. According to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences, grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and feel healthier.
3) Gratitude improves sleep. According to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, journaling every night about what you’re thankful for improves sleep.
4) Gratitude reduces stress and increases mental strength. A 2006 study with Vietnamese War veterans showed lower rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in individuals with higher levels of gratitude. A 2003 study also showed that gratitude was a major factor in resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11.
5) Gratitude improves self-esteem. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athlete’s self-esteem, which led to optimal performance.
Need some other reasons to be grateful?
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34).
“Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25).
So in the new year, say more “thank-you” to those around you: the cashier, your family members, your co-workers. Keep a gratitude journal. Give at least one compliment daily. Write thank-you cards and text messages.
As we practice the gift of gratitude, may we discover and taste God’s goodness anew.
Jinha Kim is a pastor in the Victorian Conference. She and her husband Roy are planting a church in Melbourne, Australia. They have a lively toddler named Micah and another one on the way!