Sense of thankfulness

For the past couple of years, our Hillspring Youth has focused on gratitude for November. It just makes sense with the holiday season and, more specifically, Thanksgiving. Last Wednesday, I gave our youth a "primer" to get them thinking about appreciating what they have. Here is a sample of what they were given (and feel free to do this yourself):

List three sounds you are grateful for:

1.      

2.      

3.      

List three sights you are grateful for:

1.      

2.      

3.      

List three tastes you are grateful for:

1.      

2.      

3.      

List three smells you are grateful for:

1.      

2.      

3.      

After the youth finished, I asked them to go deeper and think about the last time they were thankful for their ability to hear, see, taste, and smell. The point was (and is) there is so much we often take for granted that we miss out on many of the incredible things God is up to. AND, if we get into the practice of having a grateful/thankful mindset, research has shown the following:

1.     Gratitude increases our ability to make friends.

2.     It improves our physical health.

3.     It improves our psychological health by increasing our sense of well-being and happiness and reducing symptoms of depression.

4.     It enhances our empathy and reduces aggression.

5.     It improves our sleep.

6.     It enhances our self-esteem.

7.     It increases our mental strength by enhancing resilience and overcoming trauma.

It is no wonder the Apostle Paul wrote:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned, received, heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

When we rejoice, are thankful, and have our minds set on the right things – we experience God's peace in incredible ways! AND others encounter God's peace as well!

As we move through this holiday season, let’s join the youth and take on an “attitude of Gratitude!”

Grace and peace,

Pastor Justin