Thanksfulness: An Essential Life Skill

Every morning, before I even get out of bed, I spend time saying, ‘thank you.’ Those of you who have to dance to the tune of an alarm clock may rightfully suggest that I should first be thankful that I’m retired and have the luxury of a slow start. I am.

I first look around and thank God for comfort—clean sheets, soft pillows, so many luxuries! Then I thank Him for my family. I have the privilege of enjoying a loving husband, wonderful children, and amazing grandchildren, not to mention my siblings, their families, and my mother. SO MANY people!

My attention wanders more widely, and I may thank Him for my friends, my home, and even the weather. I won’t go on. Suffice it to say, prayer comes later.

Anxiety

You probably have a different list. Some of my readers don’t have siblings, a spouse, children, or grandchildren. Some may be going without the essentials. And some may have such overwhelming pain in their lives that it’s all they can think about. At the Grammys, Trevor Noah joked that Doechii’s album, ‘Anxiety’ is our new National anthem, not that anxiety is anything new! My Christian readers will remember that, in Matthew 6, Jesus said, ‘…do not be anxious about your life…’

Good Advice

I won’t presume to preach, only to testify. I’ve had times of overwhelming emotional pain and anxiety, and it was then that I cultivated my morning habit. In the words of Pollyanna, there’s always something to be glad about. Philippians 4:8 says something similar. ‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.’ Judaism tells us that Deutermonomy 10:12 can be interpreted as an instruction to count 100 brachot (blessings) every day! It’s good advice.