One day, the famous Bible scholar Matthew Henry (1662-1714) was attacked by a thief who stole his wallet. That evening he wrote these words in his diary.
“Lord you have taught us to be thankful in all things. Today I was robbed. I am grateful for that experience for four reasons. First, I am thankful because it was the first time I have been robbed. Second, though he took my wallet, he did not take my life. Third, though he took all my money, it wasn’t very much money. Fourth, I thank you because it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed.”
How did Mr. Henry adopt and practice this life-enhancing attitude? I suspect that for most of his life, Mr. Henry took seriously and lived 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Thankfulness is an antidote for unhealthy and troubling thoughts and emotions. When you’re struggling with feelings like frustration, envy, hurt, or aloneness, take a moment to recount your blessings, and gratitude will help take the sting out of the painful emotions. Consistently and continually, live a life of gratitude and eventually your thinking and feeling will be recalibrated. Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.
Thankfulness is an attitude but it takes on special meaning when it is expressed. Keep a gratitude journal in which you write about things for which you are grateful. Send a gratitude letter or email to someone and express thankfulness for their influence on your life or a kind deed they did. Make a gratitude visit for the sole purpose of expressing thankfulness to someone.
Be thankful.
Thought I would just say “thank you” for this Don. It is a timely word to me as a pastor in the throes of shepherding.
Thanks, Bryan, for being a faithful shepherd. Know that you are loved by many people. Don
Excellent story. GRATITUDE is truly an attitude to ask God for in our lives. Sometimes we can fake it till we make it. Yet, remembering we of all people have so much to be grateful for. We have Jesus as our protector, comforter, and provider. He always hears us. HE delights in His children joys and is there in our sorrows. Thank you Jesus. We are grateful 🙏 for You. You give us the peace which passeth all understanding.
Linda, Thanks for taking the time to write. Thankfulness is always a good thing. Take care, Don.
I am thankful to you, and to the body of Believers called Stonebriar Community Church, for the wonderful worship services that my wife and I enjoy via the web each week. The music, the teaching, and the hearts of all, so richly displayed, are a blessing to us. Thank you!
Walt, thank you for kind and encouraging words. Stonebriar is a special place for all of us. Take care, Don.
I remember you speaking of this on a Sunday morning as you spoke as worship services began—
I’m thankful I now have the same comments you made to keep in my “notes” to pass on to others—children and grandchildren.
Timeless great thoughts to pass on and on— and to friends and acquaintances alike.
Thank you again….
Gail, thanks for your kind and gracious thoughts. I hope my comments are beneficial. Don
Another good one Don – It is so true that thankfulness erases bad thoughts and feelings – Rod Taylor
Thanks, Rod, for reading my posts and taking the time to respond. Don
Don,
Wonderful reminder once again. I have a computer file of 200 quotable comments…now it is 201 as I added the following:
“Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out. ” I did give you credit :-). And…I am going to send at least two notes of gratitude today. That’s really not a hard task.
Neil, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am going to do the same…send some notes of gratitude today. Take care, Don
I am absolutely thankful that you shared this page with us
And I thank you for taking the time to respond, Dale. Take care. Don
Thank you for your writings and messages. Even though I have some life altering health issues I try to live a life of gratefulness and hope. I try to enrich the lives of others in word and deed. Bless you for all your efforts to contribute to this. God Bless.
Lindsey, I’m sorry for your health issues, and I’m glad you keep on keeping on. You do enrich the lives of others. Take care, Don.