Grateful

“We have to do the tree!”

This was the overwhelming majority response when I suggested, a few days into November, that maybe we wouldn’t do the tree on the wall this year. I just felt too spent that day to put forth the effort, only to take it down and get out the Christmas decorations in a few weeks. But clearly it was important to them. Every November for many many years our family has put up a paper tree on the wall or window in whatever house or country we’ve lived in. Then we trace everyone’s hands (or paws) and cut out a bunch of them as leaves to go on the tree, with things we’re thankful for written on them. We continue to add to the tree all month, until fall colored hands liven up the wall.

Being grateful is something that I know is important. I know it is healthy. I know it is right. But it is not always easy. When I feel good, it is much easier to be thankful. When I am sick, in pain, lonely or depressed, sometimes the only thing I can think of to be thankful for is something I can just as easily breathe a complaint about. I’m thankful for tacos. I wish we had black beans instead of red ones today. I’m thankful for coffee. Wish mine was warmer. I’m thankful for our dog. It’d be nice if someone would bathe him…and on and on.

How do I get out of this rut? I really spent time contemplating that this morning. How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude even on the hard days, or in the hard seasons?

The only thing I came up with is preaching truth to myself. My hope is only Jesus. He gives me everything I need. He is with me. There is always hope. He is working for my good and His glory in all things. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. As I bring my requests to him–with thanksgiving–the peace that passes all understanding guards my heart and mind. He is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. My inheritance in Christ is immeasurably more than I can imagine, and it can never be taken from me. His Spirit is at work in my life and the lives of those I love. His steadfast love endures forever. He will never leave nor forsake me. He has me here, in my daily circumstances, for such a time as this. I am victorious in Him.

Seriously, that is the only way I can think of to spark gratitude when sinking low. It seemed to work for Paul. He was in prison, he praised the Lord. He was in pain, he wrote of God’s amazing comfort. He was feeling dejected, he exhorted others to live into their full potential in Christ, with compassionate hearts, humility, meekness, and patience. Paul always seemed to find an attitude of thankfulness no matter what his circumstances were. He found a way to rejoice in the Lord. What an amazing example!

I want to be like that too. I’m thankful my kids didn’t let me give up the tree on the wall this year. A heart of gratitude is a precious and beautiful thing, even–and maybe especially–on the hard days.