Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Chris Peterson is a psychology professor at the University of Michigan. Several years ago Psychology Today had a blurb about an assignment he gives class. He has his class members write a gratitude letter. It's a kind of thank-you note to any one, including God. Peterson says his students feel happier 100% of the time. This exercise provides a long-lasting mood boost to the students.
There are exceptions. If a student is skeptical that the exercise will work, it will still work, but if a student is cynical, it will not work. Cynicism is the attitude that, "I really do not have anything to be thankful for," or "I have to be thankful for this?" If cynicism is the attitude then the gratitude not will not work.
When I was a graduate student in seminary, there was a young secretary who was afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis. She spoke to our class one day about how she dealt with her disease. She made sure that thankfulness was in her attitude. One of the things she was thankful for was that her "personal plumbing" still worked. If you have ever had to deal with incontinence you would be thankful that your "personal plumbing" still worked.
With disciplined diet and exercise, she is still doing all she can for that to continue. One of the ways to find something for which to be thankful is to make a list of the things you would like to continue. How would you feel if food, clothing, shelter, freedom, love and other relationships, hope for eternity, etc. were taken away?
God's will for His family is that they be a thankful people. When they are thankful they are happy!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment