Every day we wake up with a choice to make. We can wake up dreading the day and all the tasks that lie ahead or we can wake up with a positive outlook to face the day, whatever lies ahead. I read a quote one time that said “How you start your day can make or break your day. Start with a smile, clear your mind and have a grateful heart towards Jesus and then name three things you are thankful for.Then say out loud…today is going to be a wonderful day.” I know, if you are like me, some days you want to say…really…uugh…seriously, I’m not going to pretend I’m all sunshiny today! No thanks. Not today.

I have this quote on my bathroom wall where I read it every morning. Some days I’m definitely going through the motions but I make the effort and God sees that. It has helped me tremendously to be grateful even when my flesh wants to gripe and complain and be negative. But the more you choose thankfulness, the easier it gets. The more you profess gratitude, the more things you notice to be thankful for. The thankfulness muscles respond to exercise!

If we look close we seriously have so much to be thankful for. God loves it when we recognize how He has blessed us. We can become so ungrateful to the point we think we are deprived if we don’t get the venti starbucks coffee that the girl in the cubicle next to us gets. We feel jealous of those with picture perfect homes and decor. We want what they have. We aren’t satisfied.

In the words of an old song…”Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ His son.”

Without Jesus we would not be here. If not for the sacrifice He made. And we would have nothing.

Today, choose gratefulness. Tomorrow, choose gratefulness. In the days to come, choose gratefulness.

Psalm 9:1-I will give thanks and praise the Lord with all my heart; I will tell aloud of your wonders and marvelous deeds.