A Cup of Thankfulness
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
A Cup of Thankfulness has been on my heart for some time now. As I looked back on my life, I noticed many times when situations could have been much worse and I remembered my mom telling me that coincidences were God's way of remaining anonymous. I thought it was super sweet when I was a kid, but as I have learned more, I find that coincidences may actually be God's way of letting me know He is at work in my life. It is an opportunity to be thankful. So I set out to look for ways God was working in my life, or coincidences happening, each day. And I was surprised with how many occurred. I have been waiting for an opportunity to share it in my blog. And I find now to be a good time.
As a stress management counselor, thankfulness is actually pretty important for reducing stress. In the stress cycle, any time we "perceive" something as being stressful, a stress response occurs in the body. This includes acid being released in the stomach, neural changes, respiratory responses, mental reactions, and the like...all at various degrees. Though my faith helps me in stressful situations, the idea of thankfulness, even without a faith-based practice, has benefits. When hit with seasons of drama and trauma, finding reasons and ways to be thankful will counter physiological damage caused by repetitive stress perception. Being able to grow from and overcome stressful situations are just two examples of how we can be thankful. If you are a faith-based person, trusting in God's plan and timing takes some of the weight off of our shoulders. As scripture tells us...what is impossible with man is possible with God, Luke 18:27 and 1 Corinthians 10:13...No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
So this is the beginning of my Cup of Thankfulness. I would love to encourage thankfulness in others and support decreased stress, healthier bodies, and spiritual fortitude.
9:15am
I had to wake up extra early this morning to wash a load of laundry. It was cold out and walking to the laundry facility to wash clothes was the last thing I wanted to do. After prayer time, I got my quarters, bag of clothes and detergent. Ugh. Is there any way to get out of having to do this, I thought. Nope. I just have to pull up my big girl panties and get it done. After a quick attitude check, I looked over through the blinds and saw that the sun was out. I could see that the sky was blue. I started to smile and felt my body soften. It was a beautiful day. As the load of laundry was drying, I heard a siren. I lifted those involved up in prayer. I felt thankful to have a faith practice that provided a way to pray for others. I felt hope and joy. I am not as cold as I was when I first got up. I am thankful to have the quarters to wash clothes and that my body functions well enough to carry everything down to the facility. I am thankful for the job I have to get ready for in a few minutes and the rest I will have when I am done.
1pm
I am thankful for my clients and the work God has gifted me to do. I was late getting to work, but was given grace by my sweet client. What a blessing. I have been praying about a recent challenge and it was just answered. I am so thankful. I am thankful that my heart was in the right place when praying so I was not selfishly asking only for my wants and preferences to be given. Another client referred a friend to me. I am thankful to have blessed him with less discomfort such that he shared his confidence in my work. I was encouraged to teach more classes on the work I do. I am thankful for having people who are encouraging in my life. I recognize that there are people in my life who are not great encouragers, but I choose to focus on the blessing of the people God puts in my life to encourage me. I now have open time to get a few things done, bless my husband by washing a load of his clothes so he doesn't have to do it later, and take a nap.
11:50pm
What an awesome evening. I didn't wash a load of laundry for my husband nor did I take a nap, Ugh, but I got all my errands done, separated the laundry for my husband and wrapped one of his Christmas presents. This is one of those times to be thankful for the things I got done instead of focusing on what I didn't get done. Stress management101. My hubby fixed my phone that stopped working after I dropped it...sigh...Note to self...remember to turn your phone off for 10 alligators then back on and it will often start working again. Thankful. The icing was that a friend decided to reconcile with me after having one of those uncomfortable conversations. The holidays are truly that special time of the year where everyone's nerves are a little more raw than at other times. I was thankful for my friend's willingness to reconnect and reconcile and my willingness to be humble, gracious and forgiving. As I finish my prayers and get ready to sleep, I am filled with deep peace and thankfulness for a imperfect but blessed day. I pray yours was the same or better.
~ thankfully ~
Ashley
