Tag: gratitude

A cheerful giver

For God loves a cheerful giver – 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

If I had to pick one thing that I want to be known for, I think generosity would rank at the top. In one of my journalism classes in college, we were assigned to write our own obituary and the inscription on our tombstone. Talk about thought-provoking! I pictured that on my tombstone it would read: A loving and generous woman. But at that time, I knew I had to earn it.

Three things about generosity

First, it’s not just about giving money or things. Simple kindness to others is generosity. In fact, the very definition of generosity is—according to the dictionary—“the quality of being kind and generous.” You can be generous with your words, with your time, or by giving someone your attention.

Do not neglect to do good and share what you have – Hebrews 13:16

Secondly, the best form of generosity is when it’s not easy. It take less effort to be generous to those you love or to those who have been generous to you. Be generous when you don’t feel like it, or when you think someone doesn’t deserve it, and especially when you know it won’t likely be reciprocated. That’s when generosity is most valuable and worthwhile.

Read: Matthew 25: 34-40 NIV

Lastly, the more generous you are, the more God gives you to share… as you’ve heard me say—likely more than once. But here’s what I know to be true… God rewards generosity in abundance—with joy, with peace and prosperity.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed – Proverbs 11:25

Gratitude is good for you

Turns out that being grateful is like medicine. Gratitude decreases stress, improves sleep and reduces the risk of depression. Consciously noticing the good things in your life not only chases away the blues and generates a more positive outlook, but can make you more proactive in addressing issues and solving problems. Research actually shows that grateful people are even more physically active and engage in healthier activities.

Three ways to practice gratitude daily or weekly:

Count your blessings. You’ve heard the term. Okay, maybe not in a while, but it’s a practice that has stood the test of time because it works wonders. Before you go to sleep at night, while driving or waiting in line, think of three things or people that you’re grateful for. Breathe deep and experience a sense of peace.

Express gratitude. Tell a friend or family member something that you appreciate about them. Even a sincere thank you to a stranger has the power to improve their mood and yours.

Look on the bright side. More challenging is finding good in a not-so-good situation. For example, I had an unexpected expense that literally drained by savings account. Rather than dwell in the stress and worry I felt, I decided to be grateful that I had the money in the first place. It totally changed my outlook.

Take one step further and thank God for the things you are grateful for.

One of my favorite passages in the bible applies here:  

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Photo: Matt & Paxton at Grandma & Grandpa’s house