Thankfulness is encouraging, attractive, and it will spread to others when used regularly. 

It’s so easy to find yourself in a conversation of grumbling, judging or discontent. It’s easier to frown than smile. Physiologically it takes fewer muscles to frown, but spiritually, it takes more maturity to practice thankfulness.

Immaturity complains–a lot. For example, ever encountered an unhappy, not very thankful teenager? 

For a season in my life, I regularly visited someone who complained constantly. They were rarely thankful and viewed themselves as superior. When I left those visits, I felt like I needed a shower. I could even find myself becoming negative or unthankful. 

When visiting a thankful person, you leave uplifted, encouraged and full of hope for them and yourself. Thankfulness is a medicine for your spirit and for the spirit of others. Thankfulness will keep your hope alive and your faith intact. Thankfulness breeds thankfulness. 

A spirit of gratitude helps us to not focus on painful issues from our past. The American Heart Association says that practicing gratitude can, “…improve our sleep, mood and immunity, and can decrease depression, anxiety, chronic pain and disease.”

The University of Utah health research studied expressing gratitude and its effects on us. They found “it boosts dopamine and serotonin…improv[ing] your mood…giving you positive feelings of pleasure, happiness, and well-being.”

The Bible was right all along. Colossians 3:16 states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

I am thankful that you took the time to read this blog. Feel free to comment. Happiest Thankgiving ever to you and yours!