Being thankful

Why is “being thankful” crucial for a productive and a joy-filled life?  In case you hadn’t noticed, life is a series of ups and downs, involving career, relationships, finances, health and even our walk with God.  Could being thankful even out our personal ups and downs?

The human mind cannot hold two concepts at the same time. Try being thankful and complain at the same time. My solution:  make “being thankful” a default setting in your brain and then pass all day to day circumstances through the “thankful” lens.  Being thankful is a choice that requires practice, persistence and being purposeful in its pursuit.

Let me introduce Temesgen (Teme) from Ethiopia.  On one of my 13 trips to Ethiopia I met Teme as he walked to school one morning in the town of  Dilla in 2007. He wanted to use his English and we exchanged personal histories. Though very poor, he was upbeat, positive and thankful for his chance to be educated. We gave some financial support so he could attend Catholic high school and then university. We see Teme as a potential leader.  Along the way, his mother died, his father was injured, riots interrupted his college classes. He became a follower of Jesus and found ways to support his sister in college. There were so many opportunities to complain, be angry, discouraged or give up, but his emails and our phone conversations were, and are, always filled with hope and thankfulness for what he has received. Long story short—he is a 2016 university graduate. He has maintained his thankful spirit even though no full-time job has come.

Thankfulness acknowledges that God is in control no matter the circumstance. Joy and peace result for those who have chosen to grateful and are committed to the concept.  Thankful people:

• Do not see themselves as victims
• See hope and potential in every situation
• Are not limited by circumstances

The words from Lou Gehrig, the NY Yankee great, when diagnosed with ALS, drive home the concept of being thankful.

Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Address

Wisdom from the bible on the twin towers of thanks and hope:

Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.