I was watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta the other day. It was the episode where one of the mothers was throwing a birthday extravaganza for her preteen daughter. She mentioned that the event cost her $18,000, and then later expressed her disappointment that her daughter didn't seem grateful. I must admit…at first I was like, see…she's ungrateful because you're doing too much for her. But, I caught myself…how often are WE ungrateful on a daily basis?
Anytime we open our mouths to complain, we're being ungrateful. Anytime we're not in a state of peace, love, or joy…we're being ungrateful. For, there is ALWAYS something to be happy about. There is ALWAYS something praiseworthy in our lives. No matter how hard things may be, there is always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
Being grateful really helps to put things into perspective. When we're truly grateful…how can we be upset? When grateful, common perceived nuisances simply roll off our back. Being in a state of gratitude shows God that we appreciate our blessings, no matter how small we may think they are. And when we show appreciation for the little things…we show that we will also appreciate the big things. Not appreciating is in fact stunting our growth because it is an expression of a belief in lack. And, where there is lack, abundance cannot reside!
I started to complain yesterday about how much I hate to clean the kitchen after I cook. It's such a pain, right? But, I quickly checked myself. I have beautiful plates that I love. I have wonderful pots and pans that I love (got em from Macy's 
) I have a beautiful kitchen. I'm so thankful for all these things. And, I'm also thankful for the people that worked to make it all the things that I enjoy. I'm thankful that I'm blessed to be able to have these things. I'm thankful that I have food to even prepare for dinner. I'm thankful that it was yummy! I'm thankful for the farmers that worked hard to provide this food that I just ate. I could keep going, but I think you get the point.
I was then able to wash the dishes with a smile…because I was grateful…for the little things. This is my goal for this week. When I start to complain, I'll catch myself and focus on being grateful instead. What are you grateful for?
