Is gratitude a cause or effect? Are "blessed" people especially thankful, or does thankfulness contribute to a blessed life? Consider these words from a man who had both considerable blessings and considerable troubles:

"I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9.1-2)

It really comes down to the proverbial half full/half empty glass - perceived reality is largely the reality of one's experience. The ungrateful person focuses on the negative, while the grateful person focuses on the blessings. 

The 'attitude of gratitude' isn't an option for believers; it's an imperative: "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5.18) God's express will for His people is that they maintain a thankful attitude and outlook amidst all circumstances ("IN everything"; not FOR everything", as some mistakenly believe). 

Some choose to focus daily, during the month of November, on thankfulness. Other keep a daily "gratitude journal". Whatever tool we choose, the priority is on cultivating a thankful attitude. 

It seems no coincidence that people I've known over the years who have lived extremely long lives have this in common: a positive, thankful attitude. From my non-medical, non-scientific vantage point, it appears that attitude is a key factor in longevity. 

Taking our cue from the Psalmist, proclaiming our thankfulness to others is crucial in cultivating the 'attitude of gratitude' ("I will tell of all Your wonders"). So, how about this for a bite-size challenge today: purposely express one specific area of thankfulness to one individual. Chances are, you'll not just stop with one.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012