The Power of a Thankful Heart

I’ve discovered that gratitude changes the atmosphere of a room. A thankful person brings peace. Encouragement. Joy. Hope.

But I’ve learned something important. Gratitude is often a choice before it becomes a feeling. Sometimes we thank God because our hearts overflow. Other times we thank Him because our hearts need reminding.

And amazingly, something happens when we do. Perspective changes. Peace returns. Hope rises. Because gratitude lifts our eyes above temporary frustrations and reminds us of eternal realities.

And perhaps thanksgiving is one of the ways God restores joy to weary souls.

Even on the night before the cross, Jesus gave thanks. That truth humbles me. Because gratitude isn’t dependent upon perfect circumstances. It’s rooted in trust.

Marcus Aurelius wrote: “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” And perhaps thanksgiving protects the quality of our thoughts.