How to Cultivate a Thankful Heart
The holidays are finally here! And with peppermint mochas, first snow, and pumpkin pie, it can also be a time of busyness, commitments, and frustration. It's easy to get wrapped up in your calendar and forget to slow down and remember why we're celebrating in the first place.
As we walk into a holiday that reminds us to be thankful, it's important that we take the time to realize what this actually means in our everyday, non-holiday lives. Deciding to be thankful is a choice that is determined on where were put our focus.
“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. ”
"Deciding and settling questions that arise..." How often do we allow the questions of what should or should not be arise and linger in our minds without deciding and settling truth in it's place?
When we intentionally set our hearts on what we're thankful for, the things that seem frustrating or annoying become much smaller as our perspective becomes higher. We're able to love others and give of ourselves rather than simply take. We're also able to walk in complete peace of mind during a time when most people are in a constant state of panic and greed.
So bring on the turkey, stuffing, and family bonding! And when negative thoughts and frustrations start to arise, be intentional about replacing it with something your thankful for, and watch your heart become lighter this holiday season.