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The Secret of Thanksgiving |
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The definition of a secret is something hidden or confidential.
Many of the principles of a happier and more fulfilling life
are not technically a secret, but they might as well be considering
how seldom we apply them. There are many spiritual tools we
can use to improve our life. One of these is the principle of
gratitude.
A very powerful discovery is that until you are grateful for what
you already have you should not be entitled to anything more.
Sure, you may get more of what you want in life, but you will
never be truly satisfied until you can first appreciate all
that you already have.
You are already blessed in many ways. Most of us take for granted
the basic necessities of life. I don't mean to imply that everyone
is in this position. But, in all likelihood, you may have your
needs met on a daily basis. A great way to get the perspective
and appreciation necessary to face life's daily challenges is
to have an attitude of gratitude. Everyday you can begin by
counting your blessings.
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Gratitude List
Do
you have a written gratitude list? This is a marvelous way to
recognize how blessed you already are. Putting on paper all
that you have to be thankful for is powerful. There it is, in
black and white, to read and absorb. You might be surprised
how good you feel just making this inventory on a regular basis.
The best time to do this is when you are feeling anxiety because
of some perceived lack in your life. Taking the time to list
all the things you are grateful for will make you feel much
more appreciative of your situation. Most of us can list a home,
food, a job, your family, friends, even life itself.
The most difficult time to be grateful is when there is trouble
in your life. Trials and tribulations are usually a time of
pain. Who feels grateful at a time like that? Well, the alternative
is to grit your teeth or feel sorry for yourself. That doesn't
help. Remember that God is there to help you through the difficult
times. Keep praising and thanking Him and you will be blessed
despite your troubles. You may even find that something wonderful
comes as a result of going through the tough circumstances.
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Attitude of Gratitude
It
is vitally important to continue to thank God for all He has
done for you. Go even farther and do something for someone else
in need and you may be amazed at the change that will take place.
You may not get the solution to your current problem right away,
but you certainly will change your perspective. And that is
exactly what is so important about the attitude of gratitude!
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Scripture
taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright
© 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International
Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for
the offering of goods or services requires the prior written
consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All
rights reserved.
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Recommended
Reading
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PSALM 75:1
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"We
give thanks to you, O God,
we give thanks,
for your Name is near;
men tell of your wonderful deeds."
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(NIV)
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