Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord, giving THANKS to God the Father through Him. Col. 3:17
All work is God’s work. You may have heard that, but do you really believe it when you look at your life and goals. We all have different opportunities that come and go. What skills have we learned along the way? Those are the things available to us and they are really all we need. When we are grateful, we can avoid giving up because we think we don’t know enough or because the doors aren’t opening for us. I’ve heard people say, “you know, the Bible says that God helps those who help themselves.” While that expression is not actually in the Bible, the principle is. God can help us if we have the faith to get started.
DEFINE SUCCESS
Gratitude can make us more appreciative and that often results in more inner strength and a positive attitude. People have all different ideas of what defines a successful person. For me, if I am feeling grateful, I feel successful and motivated to stay aware and work more on my inner and outer self. I may not be in anyone’s top 30 under 30, but I hope to be the best version of myself.
KNOW YOUR WORTH
Sure, ask someone wise for counsel, but more importantly ask God and then take action. Don’t stay shot down and wounded. I loved the analogy I recently heard about going through life weak like a wounded puppy. No one should have to feel that way. Know your worth through God’s eyes. He’s strong and loving and made you for a purpose, through sickness and health. It can be scary when you have to stand alone to meet your vision of a life well-lived. It takes intention to stay grateful to grow & glow without feeling stunted and stuck.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” -Maya Angelo
BE SELF-AWARE AND KNOW YOUR WHY
I can literally be passionate about anything. I consider myself a whole-brained person who can be interested in everything from taxes to music-making. For me, it’s not about the subject matter as much as how does the knowledge or skill will help your family or help others.
STAY PRESENT
I can feel too much for even myself sometimes. I empathize deeply and that’s what moves me to action. I know that many people feel stuck in work that they aren’t passionate about and they don’t feel like they are making progress in life. It may be time to be present and zoom out and refocus for a moment. Think about a few things you’re learning in the job that can help you get the work or create the work where you can thrive. You’ll be grateful you did!
PLAN AN ADVENTURE
Relax. Take an adventure. My family and I started by exploring our local community and learning about it’s history and cultures. Find a way out. Get out of your day-to-day scenery once in a while. Remember the goal is not just to survive life; it’s to thrive in life.
As much as you may enjoy your work, taking time for family and enjoying hobbies help keep us grateful for our work and why we work. It will keep us on a path of a good life without bowing to temptations or distractions.
HAVE COURAGE
We can stay the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz or we can become like Aslan in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Meek not cowardly. Strong, but loving.
I am comfortable in a learning environment. The difficult part is putting myself out there to be examined by others. Stepping outside our comfort zones and even taking risks with or without the approval of others is necessary for growth.
Now is the time to go get a Gratitude Journal. Are you extremely grateful for life, but you just don’t have a game plan? What’s in your knowledge belt? What do you like to do? What do you know how to do? Spend time in prayer. What can you do that gives you peace and has the potential to help others?
What’s Your Next Step Towards Growing In Gratitude?