“Always give thank to God the father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20
What is the formula for genuine happiness? If happiness is the question, what is the answer?
The answer is simple: GRATEFULNESS.
It will probably take a lot of experience to master the art of contentment through gratefulness.
Not everything is perfect; not everything is successful. In this journey we call life, we’ll never be fully happy if we always try to win. The first time I experienced failure, I had no idea what to do. I was not ready to let go of the things I was passionate about. But the moment I passed through the dark tunnel of sorrow, everything suddenly became superb and more genuine. Appreciating what life can give you is one of the first steps to happiness. In order to have a full realization of acceptance, you need to learn the value of gratitude first.
“Contentment makes a poor man rich and discontent makes a rich man poor.”
Let me share with you a brilliant formula which I have learned from our bible study awhile back. If you add all these up, you will experience genuine happiness and gratefulness.
1. You can’t be happy unless you are first grateful.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” - Unknown
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” –Epectitus
Multiply your contentment towards your view of life by being thankful everyday.
Choose your thoughts about your outlook in life. If you start being optimistic, you will generate optimism around you. Learn how to value and share your positive energy to the people close to your heart by giving thanks and affirmation. Happiness is not about how much we have, but how much we enjoy and embrace life.
2. Gratefulness affects others and yourself.
“There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude.” –Robert Brault
Divide your blessings to people who need it the most.
Gratefulness is not about receiving; it is about giving thanks without anything in return. Do not always focus on what you want. Learn how to give love to people around you by appreciating what they do for you. Always smile, for it will also make you more beautiful. Compliment people, because it will make their day. The gift of giving does not necessarily mean material things. You can give thanks, without putting too much effort.
3. Gratefulness is an attitude.
“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely going to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” – Frank Clark
“The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.” –John E. Southard
Subtract negative thoughts.
Be optimistic with life and always count your blessings. Do not let your fear and doubts get the best of you. If you always aim to compete with yourself, you will forever be restless. Don’t let the world dictate who you should be. Find the source of your happiness and stick with it.
Here’s a verse from the book of John which could guide us through our gratefulness towards life.
“AND I WILL DO WHATEVER YOU ASK IN MY NAME, SO THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON. YOU MAY ASK ME FOR ANYTHING IN MY NAME, AND I WILL DO IT.” JOHN 14: 13-14
Who are the people in your life whom you should say thanks to?
Do not hold on to the things that stop you from being happy and contented. Gratitude makes it easier for you to focus on amazing people, wonders of nature and significant events. By being contented with these things, you will grasp a fulfillment which does not demand more out of life.
And of course, make it all for the Glory of God! All for Him, all for His gratification!
