Restoring Your Soul - Living a Limitless LifeSample

The Power of Gratitude

One of my favorite examples of our ability to choose our attitude and be grateful for what we already possess is depicted in the children’s book, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes.

In this fun short story, Pete walks down the street, enjoying his new white shoes. He begins to sing an upbeat song about how much he loves his white shoes. As Pete continues, he steps into a massive pile of strawberries that turns his shoes red. Instead of crying, he changes his song and begins to sing about how much he loves his red shoes. Soon, he encounters a massive pile of blueberries, into which he also steps. Instead of allowing it to impact his attitude or day, he continues and changes his song to affirm how much he loves his blue shoes. Next, he steps into a puddle of mud. Instead of being upset with himself or the circumstances he encounters, he adjusts his thoughts, changes the song lyrics again, and begins to sing about how much he loves his brown shoes. Shortly after he becomes comfortable in his brown shoes, he steps into a bucket of water. It washes away all the brown, blue, and red. His shoes are once again white, but now they are wet. Pete doesn’t let that deter his mindset. He keeps walking and singing about how much he loves his wet shoes.

We can choose our attitude. Focusing on gratitude will shift our perspective, our day, and our future.

Practicing gratitude, being grateful for what you have, is one way to retrain your brain to adjust to delayed gratification. Reflecting on the clothes you already have can help you realize that you don’t need the new things you’ve been coveting. When you choose a salad over a burger, focus on the healthy nourishment you’re giving your body.

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve been given. A grateful heart opens the door to joy and contentment. Whatever the circumstance, if we choose to focus on the positive and see the opportunity in the crisis, we are living out of a renewed mind and exhibiting characteristics of a restored soul.

I Invite You to Ask Yourself:

1. What three things am I most grateful for today?

2. How does gratitude alter my perspective during difficult times?

3. How might I express gratitude to God and others this week?

Consider starting a gratitude journal to become self-aware and create a shift in your attitude. Decide what time of day is best for you and write down three things you are grateful for every day. Even if you haven't ever journaled, this can be a positive first step. Soon, you’ll begin to see the impact focusing on gratitude has on your thoughts and your attitude, even during challenging circumstances.

I Invite You to Pray:

Father, thank You for the blessings in my life. Forgive me for the times that I complain and have a bad attitude about my day or life circumstances. Give me eyes to see Your goodness, even in small things, and a heart that overflows with gratitude. Please help me recognize the difference that could make in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.