From Thanksgiving to Thanks-Living

“What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” – Brene Brown

A Daily Choice 

Are habits coerced or chosen?” I believe we choose them through daily action; then, they make us into who we are or want to be. If we are to sustain gratitude, then there must be habits that we practice daily. Here are two:

1. Remain humble 

Without gratitude and humility, pride deepens its stronghold in our hearts, and resentment becomes our default setting. Like concrete on the ground, resentment hardens our hearts, numbing us to anything positive or hopeful. Resentful people draw from the noxious well of blaming others. They view life as one big conspiracy to prevent progress. With that being said, are there ways to cultivate humility? Let me suggest a handful:

Reveal your weaknesses. This is easier said than done. We all have a default to impress people. However, I have learned that while people may be impressed with my strengths, my weaknesses, contrary to popular thinking, deepen my connection with others. 

Remember, you are not in control. I cannot tell you how much weight will fall off your shoulders when you realize this. Too many people are stressed and frustrated because of what they cannot control. 

When you describe your successes, reference others. When I completed my first marathon, which I had prepared and trained for all summer, I realized that I could not have done it without my friend Samson, who was riding a bicycle alongside me and cheering me on. 

Retain a heart of service. Service is a currency that never loses its value. Those who serve will always have an appreciating position in people’s hearts. Want to make a difference? Shed the crown of entitlement and the robe of expectations of what others should do for you. Put on the apron of service instead. 

Refrain from comparison. Joy and contentment disappear when comparison knocks and is invited into our lives. Measuring ourselves with others is the wrong standard. We focus on our deficiencies and inadequacies instead of our uniqueness and God-given purpose. One way to never give comparison a seat in your life is to celebrate other people’s accomplishments. 

As humility takes center stage in our hearts and gratitude grows, we adopt a hopeful disposition toward life. 

2. Maintain a hopeful disposition

How do the faithful few maintain hope? Is it that they live in an alternate universe, ignorant of the world and its problems? I don’t think so. It’s not that the hopeful are oblivious to the negativity in the world; they have chosen to approach life saturated with these two qualities:

Endurance: In 1983, something unprecedented happened in Australia. Cliff Young, a 61-year-old potato farmer, won the grueling 7-day 544-mile Ultramarathon competition. The burning question was how he defeated athletes who were younger and bore sponsorships from well-known brands. Endurance. While other athletes slept, which is allowed during the race, especially at night, Young kept going! Those who endure can never be counted out, despite age or stage in life. And their stories inspire and encourage us to do the same. 

Encouragement: In his hard-to-put-down book, How Happiness Happens, best-selling author and Pastor Max Lucado says, “With the skill of rock masons, encouragers stack stones of affirmation and inspiration.” I wholeheartedly agree. But it is virtually impossible to build others up when hope has escaped you. My wife is a perfect example of an encourager in my life. Her words constantly supercharge me. I call her my Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO). Use your words to encourage others.

Final thought: Just as muscles are strengthened through repetition of exercise, gratitude is strengthened in our lives when we choose to repeatedly take nothing for granted, value people more than possessions, remain humble, and maintain a hopeful disposition. If you are looking for a sweet spot in life, you’ll find it in gratitude. 

Keep on keeping on!

NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO BLOG POST NEXT THURSDAY. LOOK FOR A NEW BLOG POST ON DECEMBER 5th.