According to Wikipedia:
Gratitude, thankfulness, or appreciation is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.
Gratitude and Well-Being:
A large body of recent work has suggested that people who are more grateful have higher levels of well-being. Grateful people are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives and social relationships.
So, are you grateful?
One of my favorite life coaching exercises to do with women is to help them create a list of at least 100 things (yes, I did just say - 100 things on a list) that they're grateful for in their life. Obviously your list will have those big things - like perhaps your relationship with God, your husband, your children, your family, friends, etc., but be sure to include those small things that we often take for granted, yet greatly appreciate.
Here are a few things from my list:
A relationship with God: When I really sit back and ponder this reality, it completely boggles my mind. The Creator of the Universe knows ME by name. He calls me His beloved. He longs to hear my voice and for me to hear His!
My Family: I really do have the BEST family in the world. Words can't really describe what a blessing and gift my family is to me. We love, encourage, and support one another in each endeavor.
Jon Gore: In case you haven't heard, I'm dating the most fabulous guy in the world. For those of you who know my story of trusting and waiting on God's perfect timing for my future husband - you realize just what a miracle this relationship is from God. We really are the perfect match - lots of similarities, yet differences that complement one another. I am a better person for having Jon invested in my life.
My Friends: I am SO incredibly blessed to have some of the best friends in the world. Some I've known since elementary school, some live life with me on a daily basis, some are far, far away, and some are mere acquaintances - yet one thing is for sure, all have impacted my life in significant ways, for which I am so grateful.
My Dogs: Lady (now in doggie Heaven), Hope, and Max are my babies! On a regular basis these precious animals teach me about unconditional love. They are such a joy and gift from God in my life.
iBloom: I am so incredibly blessed to have one of the BEST jobs in the world. I have the privilege of serving alongside the most incredible group of women. I get to pursue and live out God's plan for my life on a daily basis.
Here are a few other things that I'm really grateful for in my life:
-Crossroads Christian Church (my church!)
-My health
-Snuggling!
-McDonalds Diet Coke
-Bright, Cheery Colors
-Warm Sunshiny Days
-Chocolate
-Photographs
-Chicken Bryan from Carrabbas (oh, so yummy)!
-Jesus Calling Devotional by Sarah Young
-Spring, Summer, and Fall
-Fun, Bright, Cheery Stationary (Cards, Post-It Notes, File Folders, etc.)
-Markers
-BOOKS - and the ability to read, learn, and grow!
-Calendars, Planners, Microsoft Outlook
-Lists! I LOVE to make lists and stay organized!
Obviously, I can't share my entire list. Plus, you wouldn't read it anyway! But, you've seen just a snippet of things that I'm most grateful for in my life.
I often feel like an ordinary girl living an extraordinary life. I am living a life that I love! Don't get me wrong, my life is far from perfect, but I really believe my choice to be grateful in all circumstances allows me to see life with such a brighter outlook.
Challenge:
Create a list or gratitude journal. Start compiling a list of the things that you're most grateful for in your life. Trust me, on those days when you're feeling less than grateful, pull out your list and your perspective is sure to shift.
So, what are you grateful for in your life? Please leave a comment with a few of the things you're most grateful for today!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Cracked Pot
Author Unknown
A water bearer in India had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house. The cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's house.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it
spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
Why?" asked the bearer.
"What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house.
Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the
bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side?"
That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them.
For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house,"
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father's table.
In God's economy, nothing goes to waste.
So as we seek to minister together, and as God you to the tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws.
Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway.
Go out boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him every one of God's promises is a Yes."
A water bearer in India had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house. The cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's house.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it
spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
Why?" asked the bearer.
"What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house.
Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the
bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side?"
That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them.
For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house,"
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father's table.
In God's economy, nothing goes to waste.
So as we seek to minister together, and as God you to the tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws.
Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway.
Go out boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him every one of God's promises is a Yes."
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