By Jim Burns, Ph.D.

Let’s face it – we live in a world where thankfulness is not all that popular. The breathless pace we’re all leading leaves us so focused on our own needs, wants and desires that we barely have time to notice any else helping us pursue those goals. Well, I know it’s not always easy to be thankful – in fact, sometimes it’s just downright difficult! But, those are the moments when thankfulness becomes an act of the will and I believe that purposing to be thankful and grateful can not only make your present situation better, but they can also bring hope and healing to your life in the long-run as well.

Author Carole Lewis knows firsthand that life isn’t always fair. When her husband lost his business, their family was forced into bankruptcy. Not too long after that, he was diagnosed with cancer. And then, on Thanksgiving Day 2001, Carole’s daughter, Shari, was killed in a freak auto accident in front of the home of her husband, Jeff’s, parents.

Carole Lewis is a most courageous woman, but even I wouldn’t be surprised if she was even just a little perturbed about the hand she’d been dealt. But here’s the kicker: Carole Lewis is not bitter. Hurt? Yes. Lonely at times? Of course. But, bitter? In fact, it’s quite the opposite. She continues to allow God to use the difficult situations in her life to make her more grateful for her many blessings.

Carole keeps what she calls a “Thankfulness Journal,” and I think this is a wonderful idea! Each day, she uses it to record the many blessings God bestows upon her and, upon reflection, she cultivates an attitude of gratitude that ultimately brings more hope and healing to her life. She offers six tips for starting a Thankfulness Journal of your own:

1. Keep it Simple. Don’t let the fact that you’re not a great writer keep you from jotting down your thoughts each day. Pick the 10 or 20 things you’re thankful for, and then write them down.

2. Keep it Honest. The simple fact is that some days, you’re going to be thankful for some pretty unremarkable stuff. So resist the temptation to “embellish” the truth. Be real!

3. Keep it Personal. This is your life we’re talking about, after all. So, keep your list focused on those things that happened to you that you are thankful for.

4. Keep it Specific. Rather than list that you’re “Thankful for good health,” pinpoint on a specific area like the fact that you’re grateful to be able to start light jogging again after surgery.

5. Keep it Consistent. Make it a habit! Research indicates that it takes three weeks to cultivate a habit and then another three weeks to develop it. So start making your list today. Then, be sure to add to it tomorrow – and the next day – and the next.

6. Start it Now. One of the most dangerous enemies of change is the word later. (Tomorrow runs a close second in that competition, by the way!) Once you start cultivating an attitude of gratitude, you will begin to experience hope and healing in your life. However, if you choose not to start this process, nothing in your life will change. So, if you’re content with your life as it is right now, do nothing. But, if you want to see a change for the better, start that Thankfulness Journal now!

Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This doesn’t instruct us to be happy necessarily for what’s happening to you, but be sure to look for the ways you can be grateful in every circumstance. Then, let the hope and healing begin!

Printed by permission of HomeWord. For additional information on HomeWord, visit www.homeword.com or call 800-397-9725.