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“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

You can choose to possess this gift. You always have a choice. It is a quality that is not subject to events, emotions, or public opinion. It will color your disposition more than any other quality in your life. It will have a role in determining whether other people are attracted to or repelled by you. It will affect your health, your relationships, and your success. It is an attitude that colors your personality in gray or in vivid brightness. It is gratitude.

If you recoil at the notion of being thankful, of counting your blessings, and of rejoicing in the Lord always, you don’t have it yet and need to seek it. If you are negative, grumpy, or critical, it is likely that you have a deficit in this area.

Once you possess and exercise gratitude you gain a new outlook on life whatever happens. You still experience the full range of human emotions; you weep, you get angry, and you feel lonely sometimes. However, there is a different kind of orientation. Your direction is positive, and you approach life with hope, energy, and joy.

Gratitude is a gift to be received and given. In the deepest crisis or most present danger, the thankful heart can find a reason to pause and give thanks to God because God is the source of all good and perfect gifts—even those that rise from the ashes of tragedy. And He is the source of the attitude that makes gratitude possible.

If you desire to live with a positive and grateful heart, ask Jesus to fill your life with His love, forgiveness, grace, and presence. The change may not come overnight, but you will soon notice the difference a vibrant relationship with Him can make in the mundane and daily pattern of your life. Give thanks!