Gratitude in the Small Moments

How do you make sure to incorporate gratitude into your life?

Do you take time to notice and appreciate what may be right in front of you?

How do we cultivate an attitude of gratitude in a world full of distractions?

Distraction can shield us from the important things in life. It can consume us and cause us to take moments for granted.

There are so many reasons why we can become distracted in our lives. So many reasons why we can become overwhelmed and focused on our everyday routines, and jobs and forget to take the time to rest. We forget to take the time to notice all the small moments that bring us joy and gratitude. 

REST in GRATITUDE

In my life, I have discovered that gratitude needs to be intentional or I won’t practice it. Why? Usually, it is the busyness of life that takes over. If I let my life become consumed by work, worry, and distractions, then I will forget to rest. I will fail to focus on the small joys and moments around me that bring goodness, blessings, and appreciation. It is so easy to take those moments for granted. 

I established a gratitude practice over five years ago that keeps me grounded in those joys. Every morning, I wake up and sit in prayer and gratitude. I intentionally think about what is around me, who is around me, and what I can be grateful for. This helps to center me in my day and look ahead with a positive mindset. 

Even on the darkest days, there is always something to be grateful for. 

Do you feel overwhelmed, sad or disappointed?

What do you do in those moments?

Have you ever tried to step back and find a trace of goodness or a glimmer of joy?

Sometimes, when there feels like there is no light, a faint one is seen from afar that provides a flicker of hope and joy. 

In that, lays a moment of gratitude!

It is the moment when the passerby smiles or when your friend hugs you. 

It is that moment when your child sends you a text or you share a moment of laughter. Maybe it is that moment when the bird chirps or the dog barks. 

It is the moment when you sit in solitude and soak up your surroundings. 

It exists!

But, sometimes you just need

to seek harder, 

climb farther,

or walk longer. 

But it is there.

You may just have to dig a little deeper. 

 

“ In everything, give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” Thessalonians 5:18

 

In the light, give thanks. 

In the joy, give thanks.

In hope, give thanks. 

In the laughter, give thanks. 

In the solitude, give thanks. 

In the disappointments, give thanks. 

In the darkness, give thanks. 

God has a plan and unfortunately, it does not shield us from the pain and disappointment that life brings. But that is only temporary. Despite, the good and the bad it is important to live in thanksgiving. He does have a plan. 

“ Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “ I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

I will move forward and look for opportunities to listen, learn and be open to the wonder You provide in this world. 

When we choose to follow Him, we can’t help to be grateful for what He provides.

But all of that may be hidden.

We need to look for opportunities to listen.

The noises around us may have to be drowned out in order to hear Him.

God provides so much beauty in this world. Sometimes we need to look for it and be open to the wonder that He provides.