Attitude of Gratitude V

Standard disclaimer: The views and opinions in this article are the rambling thoughts of the author and not necessarily representative of Living Word Lutheran Church.

Several weeks ago Pastor Dave challenged us to find things to be grateful for during these unsure times. So what exactly is gratitude? Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. 

So, for today's thought about gratitude I want to talk about being thankful for the ability to be thankful. Okay, I know that sounds strange, but allow me to elaborate... With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — to other people, other events, and certainly to God.

I did a little research and found that giving thanks and feeling gratitude is one of the healthiest things we can do. Here are 7 scientifically proven benefits of gratitude:

1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. Not only does saying “thank you” constitute good manners, but showing appreciation can help you win new friends, according to a 2014 study published in Emotion. The study found that thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship. So whether you thank a stranger for holding the door or send a thank-you note to that colleague who helped you with a project, acknowledging other people’s contributions can lead to new opportunities.
2. Gratitude improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people, according to a 2012 study. Not surprisingly, grateful people are also more likely to take care of their health. They exercise more often and are more likely to attend regular check-ups, which is likely to contribute to further longevity.
3. Gratitude improves psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. There have been multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. Research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. 
4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Grateful people are more likely to behave in a prosocial manner, even when others behave less kindly, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky. Study participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. They experienced more sensitivity and empathy toward other people and a decreased desire to seek revenge.
5. Grateful people sleep better. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.
6. Gratitude improves self-esteem. A 2014 study found that gratitude increased athletes’ self-esteem, an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments.
7. Gratitude increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. A 2006 study found that Vietnam War veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of post-traumatic stress disorder. A 2003 study found that gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11. Recognizing all that you have to be thankful for —even during the worst times—fosters resilience. This is certainly important during our current uncertain times.

Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make them happier, or thinking they can't feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. And, although it may feel contrived at first, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice.

We all have the ability and opportunity to cultivate gratitude. Rather than complain about the things you think you deserve, take a few moments to focus on all that you have. Developing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the simplest ways to improve your satisfaction with life.

Here are some simple ideas on how you can cultivate gratitude on a regular basis.

• Be Mindful of Your Blessings. As you go through your day, be in the moment. Instead of being distracted by all the things that are concerning you, the things that might happen, need to happen or have already happened, be present and identify what you are thankful for right now in the current moment. Savor the coffee you are drinking, the sunrise you see, the smile someone gives you. Go on a walk and count the blessings around you. Notice everything.
• Thank someone. You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank-you letter expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person's impact on your life. No time to write? It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you, and mentally thank the individual.
• Keep a gratitude journal. Make it a habit to write down or share with a loved one thoughts about the gifts you've received each day. Or create a To-Be-Thankful-For list and keep it where you can see it – on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or bulletin board. Challenge yourself to add to it on a regular basis.
• Pray. We can use prayer to cultivate gratitude and give thanks to God.
• Meditate. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as "peace"), it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for (the warmth of the sun, a pleasant sound, etc.).

Perhaps the most important benefit of gratitude is that giving thanks brings us closer to God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is one of those verses that can be difficult to accept: “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” But what about those difficult and painful situations? Being grateful for suffering seems to make no sense. However, as we discussed in last week's post about the Book of Job, even though gratefulness doesn’t come naturally in difficult circumstances, a decision to thank God for walking with us through life makes us more sensitive to His comforting presence. It motivates us to always be aware of God's presence in our current circumstances. Thanksgiving reminds us of our continual dependence on God and helps to bend our will to submission to Him. Thanking God focuses our attention on Him rather than ourselves and our circumstances. "Gratitude transforms anxiety into peace, which passes all understanding" (Phil. 4:6-7)

The Lord’s purposes for your life extend beyond your days on earth. He’s working for your eternal good. Begin thanking God today, in whatever circumstance you find yourself. After all, what’s the alternative—bitterness, resentment, and grumbling? God made you for something far better: eternal, sustaining joy. The transformation starts with simple, small words offered from the heart: Thank You, Lord!