Appreciating What you HAVE.....

Better one handful of Tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:6

"Appreciate What You Have"

When it comes to what you have - and don't have - gratitude is largely a choice. It all boils down to where you fix your focus. Instead of being envious of others, feeling discontent and unhappy, you can choose to be thankful.

Spend a few minutes each morning reflecting on the blessings God has given you. No matter what shape your home is in, begin to thank God for a secure shelter, a place to stay warm and dry. If you don't have a reliable car, thank Him for brining the bus route so close to your house. Thank Him for the basics: food on the table, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, a way to earn a living.

Thank Him also for those blessings that are not material in nature, such as health, a sound mind, the love of family and friends. Finally, remember that if you belong to God through faith in Jesus, you have also received God's greatest, most important blessings: His constant presence with you on earth and the promise of eternity with Him in heaven.

Many people watch their lives slip through their fingers while they whine about all they are missing. They acknowledge only the negatives. Focusing on the positives has two effects: it allows you to be grateful for what you have while boosting your faith to believe that with God's help things will get better. Gratitude comes from knowing God is on your side and will provide everything you really need.

"Simply Speaking"
Contentment is understanding that if I am not satisfied with what I have, I will never be satisfied with what I want. - Bill Gothard