Putting Gratitude in Your Attitude

What comes to mind when you think about the word attitude?  Possibly a teenager in complete annoyance of their parents, who clearly know nothing.  Maybe a child who’s been spoiled a little too much.  Perhaps it’s that person at work who’s always a Negative Nancy.  It could even hit closer to home and be your spouse, who seems unable to find the good in anything anymore. 

Our minds automatically gravitate to associate attitude with some type of unfavorable behavior.  How often we say, “I can’t help the way I feel!”  When situations are good, when people are good, our attitude is positive.  But when we find ourselves in disapproving moments or dealing with someone whom we’d rather not—our attitude so easily flips to negative.  Are our attitudes truly a reactional response over which we have no control?

Consider the opposite end of the spectrum to those who always have something positive to say: Those who love Mondays.  Those who find joy in rainy days.  Those who are seemingly untouched by the negativity that surrounds them.  How do they do that?  What affords them such a state of positivity?  Do they possess some superhuman power unknown to the rest of us?  Well, sort of. 

Draw closer to those people, get to know them on a deeper level, and you’ll likely discover one common denominator among them—gratitude.  People who genuinely carry thankfulness in their heart will organically exude positivity in their behaviors.  Psalm 23 (para) tells us, “The Lord is my shepherd.  I lack nothing.  He leads me, he refreshes me, he guides me, he is with me, and he comforts me.”  Break that down, and fully apply each word to your individual, specific life. 

I am protected.

All my needs are met.

Every step I take, He takes before me.

He breathes energy and freshness into me when I need it.

He mentors, advises, and teaches me.

Not only does He go before me, but He’s always alongside me.

He empathizes and consoles me.

When we wholly grasp the reality that we have that in our lives, at all times, in all circumstances, we can more genuinely appreciate God and be thankful for it.  A thankful mindset turns into a grateful heart, and a heart that is grateful exudes positive actions.

No matter how we slice it, attitudes are contagious.  And whether we intend to or not, ours will make an impression and leave a mark on those around us.  So, let’s be intentional about what we’re spreading.  As you go throughout this week, have a mind filled with thanksgiving, a heart full of praise, and your attitude will be filled with gratitude.