The Power of Gratitude
I once read a quote that said the older you get, your Christmas list gets shorter because the things you want can’t be bought. I think it gets shorter because we live in the most affluent country in the world, and most of us not only have everything we need, but most of the stuff we want also. I know that is the case for LeAnna and me, and I just wanted to share my thoughts on gratitude this December.
Gratitude is a profound recognition of the goodness in our lives and the people who contribute to it. I am honestly filled with joy when I think about the life that I have lived up to this point. Although many people think that life should be constant joy and happiness, the Bible states otherwise in so many places. Life is a series of trials and tribulations, and anyone who says they haven’t had any is lying. During my times of trial, I found that I grew the most.
Those circumstances changed and led me to more joy than I had before the trial! Don’t get me wrong; I am not looking forward to the next trial I will encounter, but I do have tremendous faith that whatever that trial may be, God will lead me through it, and guide me to whatever it is that He has planned out. And I am so grateful for that!
There have been a myriad of studies that list the many benefits of gratitude, such as emotional, physical, and relational well-being. Studies have also shown that people who regularly practice gratitude report feeling more optimistic and satisfied with their lives. They also tend to be more resilient, bouncing back more quickly from adversity. There are many ways to cultivate gratitude, and many experts cite using a gratitude journal each day to write down 3 things they are thankful for. Part of my prayers each morning is to give thanks to the Lord, and I always end by saying I would never make it to work on time if I had to even list a fraction of the things I am thankful for! With that being said, I urge all of you to write down 10 things you are grateful for in 2024. I will also take this challenge, and the list is as follows:
1. Our two kids and their spouses – Marissa, Adam, Collin, & Rachel
2. Our first grandchild, Jael Eliza Gallagher – born February 14
3. Scottie Marie Faull – born January 26
4. Days with Griff & Sheppy every week (Sheppy now, Griff in kindergarten)
5. Our Sheehan Personal Training lease renewed
6. Our incredible Sheehan Training clients new & old, some since the Foxboro days! (2006-2011)
7. LeAnna still putting up with my insanity after 16 years
8. Our Crosspointe Church Family
9. Downsizing our house and our new life at the Chocolate Factory
10. Bentleigh the Boodle dog who keeps us smiling constantly
May all of you experience the power that comes from being grateful. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!