Exercising Thanksgiving Muscles

Developing a skill in any area of life always requires a disciplined repetition. Just as I intentionally work my physical muscles daily in order to stay in shape, I need to intentionally practice gratitude in order to build my thankfulness capacity. Without practice, I easily turn into a dissatisfied slothful complainer.

Thankfulness for me is not so much an enthusiastic response to good and pleasant things in my life as it is a disciplined way of viewing life. To do this requires practice, practice, practice.

My Heavenly Coach has instructed that His desire for my life is to exercise a grateful attitude everywhere in everything.

...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:18 NIV) 

Just as my college soccer coach daily gave me exercises and drills to develop my skills for game situations, daily God offers me opportunity to practice gratitude in routines of living…at times easy, at times difficult.

Tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.) and every day, join me in exercising our thanksgiving muscles.

Sharing the journey with you,