Monday, April 15, 2013

Motivational Mondays: Attitude of Gratitude

It's been a long while since I have posted anything and what better way to start the ball rolling with a Motivational Monday post about Gratitude.

It is never easy to say thank you for the things that we have been given.  Oftentimes, we just take things, events and most especially, people, for granted. We are most drawn to look at the negative side of things. We think about the lack of money, problems we face each day, people who are rude or take us for granted and it never is good for our health and state of minds. Yes, I do get stressed out about the events that do not go my way but in retrospect and after calming down, I tend to realize that these are only tests which bring out the best in us. Take for example, me driving. Yes, I have had my driver's license since 1997 (yep, even before hubby had his) but I never really drove far. I mean, just around the village and the camp and that was it but this weekend, I actually got to drive far (around 30 kms!) with the narrow streets, bikers and pedestrians around and with the husband, watching my every move like a hawk! If you know my husband, he has very high standards about everything close to perfection even and it wasn't easy with him by my side tsk-tsking or seeing his mouth set in a thin line whenever a car or even a bike pass us by! Haha, yes I was that slow! But afterwards, I felt a sense of accomplishment and thankful for that experience.  It taught me that  I could do things if I set my heart into it. So, you can do so too and that is what we should be thinking all the time. We should be grateful for all the things that come our way regardless if it is negative or positive. Just remember that the Lord does not give us anything that we cannot carry.  And so, I leave you with this prayer which I found and will always be reciting from now on.  This was taken from http://christianteens.about.com/od/christianliving/qt/A-Prayer-Of-Gratitude.htm


Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my spirit soar.
Also, thank you, Lord, for keeping me safe. You protect me from those things that seem to haunt others. You help me make better choices, and you have provided me with advisors that help me with the difficult decisions. You speak to me in so many ways so that I always know you are here.
And Lord, I am so grateful for keeping those around me safe and loved. I hope that you provide me with the ability and sense to show them every day how much they matter. I hope that you give me the ability to give to them the same kindness they have provided to me. I am just so grateful for all of your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind me of just how lucky I am, and that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned kind acts. Thank you, Lord. In your name, Amen.
Happy Monday everyone! Have a great week ahead!