Just for fun I Googled “strategies that lead to a satisfying life.” Of course numerous articles popped up, offering a multitude of suggestions. One article listed twenty ways for achieving fulfillment.
But researchers have determined it takes sixty-six days on average to develop a new habit (1). That means twenty new habits would require concentrated effort for nearly four years. Sounds daunting, doesn’t it.
However, as you’ve already noted from the title of this post, it is possible to turn a humdrum life into exceptional with just one strategy: gratitude to God.
But how can one simple act make such a difference?
I’ll explain in a moment. First, let’s identify the key word in that statement above: God. Without someone to thank, gratitude is pointless. And he is responsible for every good gift in our lives. By thanking God for his blessings, we unlock the fullness of life (2).
Here’s how it happens:
Gratitude fosters joy and contentment.
When we aim to thank God for the benefits he bestows, the delightful encounters he provides, and the beauty he’s created, we soon realize our days overflow with his gifts. And each one gives reason to smile.
Gratitude leads to peace.
Remember Isaiah 26:3? “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you” (ESV). Gratitude to God is a delightful way to stay focused on him and thereby calm our hearts into serenity.
Gratitude contributes to resiliency.
Researchers Tennen and Afflek (2002) found that when people express gratitude even while suffering adversity or trauma, they tend to persevere with greater strength than those who don’t practice thankfulness (3).
John MacArthur beautifully described the phenomenon with this bit of imagery:
“No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.”
Gratitude increases our trust in God.
We can begin with grateful remembering of his marvelous deeds in the past, to form a foundation of faith for the present. Also, by expressing thankfulness in difficult circumstances and gratefully acknowledging God’s support and supply, our perspective is transformed.
I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
–Psalm 12:5-6
And when all of these results-of-gratitude are present in one person—effervescent joy, sublime contentment, luminous peace, buoyant resiliency, and unshakable trust—we see an exceptional life.
It all begins with gratitude.
When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether
you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.
–G. K. Chesterton
And how do we learn to take things with gratitude?
Researchers have studied that too, and found gratitude journals to be highly effective (4).
They suggest keeping a record of pleasurable observations and positive experiences such as:
- Happy squeals of neighbor children as Daddy pushes their swings
- An overcast day made cozy with glowing candles, simmering soup, and rain thrumming on the roof
- Being taught by a seven-year old granddaughter how to add two-digit numbers in a new and clever way
- Those places where God has brushed all of autumn’s colors in one swath
Gratitude bestows . . .transcendent moments of awe
that change forever how we experience life and the world.
–Sarah Ban Breathnach
So instead of wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving Day, blog-friends, I pray for you an exceptional life–of gratitude!
____________________________
If you keep a gratitude journal, please share your experience in the comment section below. How has it contributed to an exceptional life for you?
Notes:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-form-a-habit#takeaway
- James 1:17 and https://melodybeattie.com/gratitude-2/
- https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-happiness-research/
- https://www.pointloma.edu/resources/counseling-psychology/what-good-gratitude-role-thanksgiving-personal-development
Photo credits: http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.needpix.com; http://www.pikrepo.com; http://www.canva.com; Nancy Ruegg (3).
From the Inside Out 
This is truly BEAUTIFUL, Nancy! I am writing a memoir about some very hard events that I lived through over 50 years ago. Writing my testimony story, in the middle of a worsening pandemic, with New Mexico now in a second lockdown, makes me feel like I’m time traveling between two very CrAzY years! But, thanks to keeping my focus on the Lord Jesus, and all that He has blessed me with, and the wonderful way that He has brought GOOD THINGS out of even the worst of my suffering, is keeping me full of constant peace and occasional great outbursts of JOY.
What an AWESOME God we serve!
I just wrote a new post about how having the Lord Jesus in my life, is giving me the strength to write my memoir, even during this difficult year. I need to go look at it and see if I can add this about the joy, which definitely comes from gratitude, without making it too wordy…!
Amen, Linda! Thank God writing is one thing we CAN do in a lockdown. Bless you in your memoir. ❤
Hallelujah for God’s blessings, peace, and joy, even as you record painful events in your past. No doubt your story will touch the hearts and strengthen the spirits of many, Linda. Kudos to you for pressing on!
And a Happy exceptional-life-of-gratitude to you, too, Nancy! -C.D.
Thank you Carole!
Hi Nancy,
All of the above and every breath. You know I am learning to enjoy moments in a busy world. That has been helping me to slow down and value my time better. It’s easy to whisk through a day and not always be grateful.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving. In Christ,
Gary
On Thu, Nov 19, 2020 at 2:06 PM From the Inside Out wrote:
Thank you, Gary. We’re looking forward to a Thanksgiving Zoom meeting with family, since we’re spread over three states and won’t be able to gather. You are very wise to fight against the whisking (‘Love your verb choice!) and savor the moments of your day. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
I am so grateful for this reminder, my dear friend!!! 🙂
Gratitude sets our mind toward contentment … As I am thinking through your post, I realize that my gratitude has to be rooted in the understanding that all is given tome as as a gift. Thank you, Nancy, for this wonderful reminder… I am also very grateful for you ❤️
May I join with Heidi’s sentiments here ♥️
Thank you, Dee!
🤗
Well, how delightful is that–I am grateful for you, Heidi, and the wisdom, fresh insights, and creativity you share on your blog! (Readers: Do check out her writings!)
Nancy, Amen!. Thank you for an exceptional blog on Gratitude. An attitude of gratitude is one of the differences we can make with God and life. This you well know. Blessings to you and Steve, Janet
Thank you, Janet. You modeled a life of gratitude for me years ago. Though you faced particular challenges, you always wore a smile and demonstrated a calm and gentle spirit! Praying a special Thanksgiving blessing for you, dear friend!
I have nurtured a Gratitude Attitude for years now, Nancy, and it has made all the difference in how I see life and serve the Lord. His blessings abound, even in the rough times, and we should always and everywhere give thanks to Him.
Blessings!
(Hope you will visit my blog at https://marthaorlando.blogspot.com)
Thank you for adding your affirmation concerning the power and blessing of gratitude in our lives, Martha! Also appreciate the invitation to visit your blog–which I have (the last time was 11-12-20)–and am glad I did. (Readers: check out Martha’s writings also!) You can be assured I’ll pop back as time allows.
Beautiful! Most of my prayers are thanks – Scripture verses applied to my life, because God is at work even when I don’t see it, and He will keep His promises, so I can thank Him ahead of time. 😉
Amen, Ann! I’m right with you. Years ago I learned the practice of positive prayer. It DOES impact the atmosphere of our spirits and augments hope!
Great post Nancy! But the part I especially like is “It is possible to turn a humdrum life into exceptional with just one strategy: gratitude to God.” What an awesome thought and so true! We really need more gratitude in our lives – and I think that’s especially true in these times of uncertainty. I for one, surely plan to use the gratitude strategy more!
I just read in a blog post by Holley Gerth (over at incourage) that gratitude also overcomes disappointment. I wonder just how many negative emotions can be overcome by simple gratitude? These remaining months of isolation are the perfect time to experiment and find out!
Speaking gratitude has been my lifeline, my salvation, my recalibration this year. More than ever …
Love that word, recalibration. When negative emotions being to overwhelm us, we can fight back with gratitude and recalibrate our spirits. Amen, Linda!
Beautiful reminder! I find that focusing on my many blessings blot outs the darkness of the world and is a wonderful way to avoid falling into anxiety over the uncertainties of life. Specifically, I’m so very thankful to have my Mom still with me. We had to make a trip to the ER this week because of a flareup of her diverticulitis which was quite painful for her. To be on the safe side an ultrasound was performed to determine if anything else was going on. Praise the Lord, nothing additional was found. She’s feeling better every day due to the grace of God, along with two antibiotics she was prescribed. I praise God for the wisdom the Lord has bestowed upon those in the medical world! May you and your family enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving.
Praising God with you that your mother is recovering, Cheri. Hope you’re able to enjoy a restful Thanksgiving together. We’re planning a Zoom meeting so all the family can enjoy each others’ company for awhile on Thursday, even though apart!
Nancy,
I’ve been keeping a gratitude journal this year and it has been extremely beneficial. I’ve found it virtually impossible to have the grumbles while expressing gratitude to God. Great post and have a gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Bev xx
2020 was the perfect year to start, Bev! I’ve found the habit to be very beneficial as well. AND, It’s fun to look back and read the entries from previous years!
G’day and thanks for sharing Nancy!
Not only is this practice good for our mental health but it also keeps us in God’s will. After reading your post I was reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
I don’t have a gratitude Journal but the wife and I encourage people to share what they have been thankful for in our church small group and when we have people over for dinner.
Important part of the Christian journey for sure!
What a great conversation-starter, Evad, to encourage a positive mindset, looking for God’s gifts!
Thanks for stopping by Nancy – glad to discover your blog and in particular ‘THIS’, this morning. It’s a good reminder for me. Lockdown in France makes us all too aware of what is IN-accessible… but when we stop to think… there really is STILL a lot to be grateful for.
“Still a lot to be grateful for”–indeed! I appreciate your visit here, Mike. I pray you find the posts meaningful whenever you’re able to stop by!