Appreciation

  When multiple stresses and pressures build up, some of us can stick to those things, sticky brains. We can shift into gear of problem-solving and forget about the many things there are to be thankful for. Problem-solving is necessary at times, but getting stuck in a place where we don’t see a solution isn’t helpful. Thankfulness helps keep our minds in a good place. How can we help our brains leave a place of stress and overwhelm? We look for things that we can appreciate and give thanks for.

            First, realize that when a problem is or seems big, it can appear to tower over our list of things to be thankful for. Sometimes we may not even be able to think of what to give thanks for. People that we are truly thankful for may even be part of the problem.

            Begin with the small and keep adding. Start out with at least five to ten things to be thankful for. When I began this practice years ago, I had trouble finding things to list. My brain would get so stuck on the heartache that I felt hopeless. I started out with the simplest things.

The things that I came to first were the things that brought me comfort. Music, art, color, line, shape, and stories were the places where I’d start. Of course, I thanked God for my family, but the issues within my family were where much of the heartache came from.

You may not feel appreciation with the words at first. There have been times for me that the words may have even come out a little begrudgingly at first. When you continue, real and deeper thankfulness will come. Keep at it.

            You may not see all your problems go away, but your focus will change. My load has lightened when I could see that issue, no matter how big it was, was not the whole picture. I have wondered off from that place many times and got stuck on something else. Sometimes, in wondering off, it’s hard for me to get back to a place of thankfulness. It always begins the same way, just doing it, giving thanks over and over until it does something, until I actually feel grateful.

Do it every time you feel your heart going to that place, as often as you need to. If you journal, I also recommend writing down these things that you are thankful for. Dwell on and ponder them with God. Let them soak in and water your soul. There are many difficulties and disappointments in today’s world. Find the things to stick to that bring you some joy. Remember it doesn’t have to be big. Find little joys and expand from there.

What do you like to look at or dream about (even if it’s been awhile)? Do you like to look at the green of the grass of a well-watered lawn? Do you enjoy the reflection of the trees on the water? Is it the blooms of spring and summer, or the snow in winter?

The next thing, which can be a little harder, is to thank God for the trouble itself. I have a hard time with this at times. Still, I know that if I can get past my emotions that God will work it all for good (Rom.8:28). I can’t know the when or the how of it.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thes.5:16-18)

Bitterness and complaining is a difficult mindset to break, especially if you’ve been raised in it. I’ve been working on it for years. It has gotten much better, but I still fight with it from time to time. Thankfulness is a key helper to a healthier mindset.

Remember Jer.29:11, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

(Above photo: One of the things that I’m thankful for is that I get to work in the field that I went to college for. It enables me to share a relief giving tool that has helped me so much. I was painting envelopes and noticed how an interesting impression was left behind. These are some of the little things that I am thankful for.)