All it took were 10 seconds. Maybe 15.
I had finished a morning class early, and being close to Whole Foods Market, one of my favorite health food stores, I decided to go in for a few minutes. While driving there through back neighborhoods, I came upon a stop sign. Looking both ways before continuing, I saw at a distance a large van parked by a house and several people assisting a person on an electric wheelchair either enter or exit the van.
I was at that stop sign for just a few seconds, but it was all I needed to unleash a chain of gratitude in my heart. I began thinking about me. How often I waste time complaining about life and what I think is not going well. But I have legs and I can walk! I can get in my car and drive myself wherever and whenever I want to. I can see and I can hear! My brain works well enough that I can make decisions and think things through. My hands do so much. I have hands! And a car, home, clothes, food, a job, wonderful family, great friends… I have so much! Why do I ever complain?
When I got to the parking lot of the store I decided I didn’t want to go in anymore, and spent the 20 minute drive home grateful for all the good, the bad, the big, and the small things that make my life so interesting and meaningful.
According to an article by the University of Minnesota, “gratitude can lower blood pressure, improve immune function, reduce cardiac inflammation, increase happiness, improve relationships, and decrease depression.” On the other hand, negative emotions cause stress, depression, and illness.
No wonder the Bible counsels us to give thanks in all circumstances and to do everything without complaining. It’s healthy for us. Complaining, on the other hand, is bad for us and those around us.
So think for a few moments about your many reasons to be grateful. Maybe write it down on your journal so you can refer to it often. Make it a habit to express gratitude daily, either at the end of your day or when you first wake up, and even throughout the day. And then be amazed at how much this atitude of gratitude benefits you and those around you.
References:
- How Thoughts and Emotions Affect Health. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-thoughts-and-emotions-affect-health
- I Thessalonians 5:18 and Philippians 2:14