Unfading
     Beauty

An Attitude of Gratitude Makes Our Lives a Beatitude

True praise is an enriching experience. It was so with David.  As you read his Psalms of praise, you find him thanking God for things in heaven and things on earth.  For material blessings and spiritual blessings.  For joyful experiences as well as difficult experiences.  The challenges David experienced enriched his life because he knew how to praise the Lord.  Consider his words . . .

·                  "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me” (Psalm 4:1).

·                  "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip" (Psalm 18:36).

When difficulties befall us, they only become a liability when we complain.  However, if we choose to praise God, those same difficulties will allow our lives to become a Beatitude.              

An increase in the frequency of praise and thanksgiving is evidence that an attitude of gratitude functions in our lives.  When we choose to expand our praise life, expressing gratitude to both our heavenly Father and those who enrich our earthly existence is a reflex response. As we experience this response we can then say like David, "He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because he delighted in me" (Psalm 18:19). 

Diagnosing and Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

So, as the holiday season approaches, are you excited about giving the gift of gratitude?  Your results on the Gratitude Gauge you completed as you read Part One will help you respond to the question.  Use the Gratitude Gauge Scale to interpret it.

Gratitude Gauge Scale

100-90 - a maturing attitude of gratitude

89-80 - a commitment to an attitude of gratitude

79-70 – an understanding of what constitutes an attitude of gratitude

69-60 – a minimal commitment to an attitude of gratitude

59- 0 – an attitude adjustment is needed

Now that your attitude toward gratitude is diagnosed, consider completing this project designed to help you to focus on cultivating an attitude of gratitude.  I believe that as you conclude it you will find that you have many gifts of gratitude to distribute.  The impact on your bank account—nothing.  The blessings bestowed on others—immeasurable!

·                     Simple things I thankful for:

·                     Specific people I am thankful for:

·                     Write a note of gratitude to at least five of the names you listed.  Place a check mark by their names when the notes have been sent.

·                     My reaction to Expressing Gratitude:

·                     Evaluate your Gratitude Gauge Score.

·                     Use the verses that follow to develop principles for increasing your Gratitude Gauge Score.  I provided an example for you.

Ø      Psalm 18:49—I will choose to give thanks to God and sing praises to His name.

Ø      Psalm 103:3-5

Ø      Romans 1:21

Ø      1 Thessalonians 5:18

Ø      1 Corinthians 15:57

Ø      1 Timothy 4:4

·                     As you contemplate your gift list this holiday season, will you place Gratitude at the top?