Mar 2 - Colossians 3:15b

And be thankful

Colossians 3:15b

 

There are two ways to live our lives: thankful for what we have … or greedy for more. 

 

The world often says, “Don’t settle for less.”

 

And there’s some logic in this. We should never settle for anything less than the highest! But the problem is that the world has us aiming in the wrong direction for “more.”

 

We’re taught to want more stuff. We’re encouraged to expect more from the people around us — including our spouse. 

 

Maybe generals and CEOs can demand more and get more. They operate off of power, fear, and control. You lose your job – maybe even your life – if you don’t do what the dictator says. But that’s not how the rest of the world works – especially marriage! 

 

In relationships, if we want to “get more,” we first have to “give more.” And if you want to know the true secret to “getting more,” what we must first “give” is thanks. 

 

Thanksgiving is the under-publicized secret to joy. 

 

Thanksgiving helps us appreciate what we have. And the more we treasure the blessings in our life, the more we celebrate those who bless us and encourage us ... like our spouse. And the more a person feels celebrated, the more they give back. Psychology calls this positive-reinforcement. 

 

But listen to the pattern …

 

·         The more we give thanks, then the more we celebrate what we have.

·         The more we celebrate what we have – including our spouse – the more they are reinforced and rewarded for their efforts.

·         The more rewarded and valued that they feel, the more they will give back.

·         Therefore the more we give – give thanks – the more we get back ... including more joy. 

 

Question of the Day: Do what degree does thanksgiving fill your life and relationships?

 

In Christ’s Love,

a very thankful guy