Cultivating the Attitude of Gratitude

We’re coming up on Thanksgiving, which is a great time to stop and think about what we are thankful for. Learning the significance of cultivating the attitude of gratitude is one of the most important lessons I have learned, through seasons of both plenty and of want. In fact, did you know there is a connection between gratitude and mental health?! Psychology studies and science and are increasingly confirming the connection. But it shouldn’t be surprising to us. God’s Word commands, encourages and challenges us to be thankful multiple times!

"Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 106:1

"be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18b-20

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So here are a just a few things I’m thankful for in this season!

I’m thankful for my family.

Moving back to northeast Ohio this fall and currently living with my parents has allowed me to see and spend more time with my family in simple day to day life. This fall I have attended football and basketball games and choir concerts for my nieces and nephews. I have spent many hours with my dad and brother in the barn or in the fields. My brother and I have even logged many miles on almost weekly bike rides this summer and fall! I am so grateful for a family that enjoys spending time together, that laughs together, but most of all, that loves Jesus and seeks to walk with Him and know Him more!

I’m thankful for God’s Word and the Holy Spirit who teaches and challenges me.

Last month I began a Gideon study by Priscilla Shirer. This small yet powerful story of Gideon is found in Judges 6-8. This has been timely in my life. I could write pages about what I am learning and how the Lord is using it in my life (but I won't). ;) I love how the Holy Spirit knows just what to teach and speak to me through God's Word at just the right time!

I’m thankful for God's creation and time on our family's farm.

In addition to more time with family, moving back to Northeast Ohio has allowed me extended time on our family's dairy farm where I was raised. I come alive outside in His creation; listening to the singing birds and rustling leaves, taking in the fresh air and feeling the warm sun, watching the dogs play and the cows graze in the pasture, and most recently taking in the brilliant changing colors and landscape of the trees. I even love the exertion of manual labor in the barn. Working on the farm might be physically tiring, but it also brings me life!

I’m thankful for many ministry opportunities.

The Lord has been so gracious to allow me to come alongside some incredible ministry leaders who have their 'boots on the ground' on college campuses and lead teams of precious staff and interns. It is such an honor and privilege for me to run with them. And He continues to give me opportunities to return to Western Asia, where I lived and served in the past. Not only do I get to return, but I get to take other staff and students with me and introduce them to this city and country and people that I dearly love! What an honor to be used in the stories that God is writing in the lives of others!

I’m thankful for friends and ministry partners!

I am beyond grateful so many dear friends and ministry partners, who partner with me through support and/or prayer along the way! The Lord has blessed me with a precious team of ministry partners, and I couldn't invest the best hours of my day in ministry the way that I do with them!

So how do you cultivate the attitude of gratitude? And what are you thankful for? I’d love to hear!