My ’tude has a leak—not the inner-tube on a car tire…my gratitude.
I’m an optimistic person—a big dreamer whose great expectations sometimes leave my husband scratching his head.
Also I’m big on saying “thank you” for the smallest gesture of kindness.
A slow leak
But lately I’ve noticed a slow leak in the ’tude. A little tendency to grumble to the Lord instead of offering praise.
Nothing huge—just an undercurrent of discontent. Tired of waiting. Tired of expecting. Tired of trusting.
Lately I’ve noticed a slow leak in the ’tude. A little tendency to grumble to the Lord instead of offering praise. Nothing huge–just an undercurrent of discontent. Click To TweetOops! Did I really say that in print?
That place—may I quickly add—is not a good place. I’m getting out of there.
Tired of trusting? What else can I do? All my hope is in God. If he doesn’t come through, the dream is dead.
Handy repair kit
Found my ’tude repair kit just in time.
- Confession. Grumbling is sin—kicking against God’s plan. He knows what’s coming while I wait, expect, trust.
- Praise. God is great and he is good. For this I can praise him, regardless of complicated circumstances…or delayed dreams.
- Thanksgiving. Gratitude is a small gift I present to the Lord for the blessings he’s lavished on me. When I’m forgetful, Psalm 103:1-5 gives me a place to start.
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
This Psalm of David goes on highlighting attributes of God: compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (see Psalm 103:8-12 NIV).
Will I ever run out of reasons to praise the Lord?
Never!
Living a life of praise and thanksgiving may not change circumstances but it changes me.
Living a life of praise and thanksgiving may not change circumstances but it changes me. Click To TweetIf your ’tude has a leak, repair it with confession and fill it with praise and thanksgiving that gushes all over the place.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).
I’d love to know if you’ve had a leaky ’tude and how you fixed it. Please leave a comment below. And share this with your friends!
© 2019 Dianne Barker
(Post reprinted from 2018)
4 responses to “It’s Time to Hunt My Gratitude Repair Kit”
We are in the midst of a big snowstorm and I had plans today for an afternoon tea. All the food is bought and some things prepared, but it’s not going to happen. So your post was so good for me to realize God knows all this and we will have change of plans. Different guests who can walk to our house!
Penelope, I see God’s hand in that! How creative you are! Rather than pout over having to ditch Plan A, you joyfully went to Plan B. This is a good lesson for all of us. Thanks for sharing.
What a timely message, Diane
I have the winter doldrums. Every is cold and grey outside and it’s sinking into my spirit. No big problems. I know this too will pass, and hope will spring eternal again.
Mary, I’m so glad to hear from you! Many of us struggle with the winter doldrums. It’s so easy to let the gloomy weather weigh our spirit down. Truly you are not alone! Believe me, I’ve been there. I just try not to stay there very long. A few little tricks help lift me out. Call a friend who needs encouragement. Find a good praise verse in the Bible and memorize it. Write “praise” on a sticky note and place where I see it often. Make a list of good things the Lord has done for me recently. Read aloud some of my favorite promises from the Lord. Sip hot chocolate by a glowing lamp. Bake brownies and take to a sick friend. These tips may seem insignificant, but they help change my focus from drab and dreary to hope and joy. I’ve learned that thoughts are about the only thing in this life that I can control. The winder doldrums are a product of my thoughts and a favorite tool of the Enemy to keep me discouraged. Knowing that inspires me to resist him and run to Jesus, the source of my joy and hope! Love you, friend!