By Carol H.
Be
thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If
you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be
thankful when you don’t know something,
for
it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be
thankful for the difficult times.
During
those times you grow.
Be
thankful for your limitations,
because
they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be
thankful for each new challenge,
because
it will build your strength and character.
Be
thankful for your mistakes.
They
will teach you valuable lessons.
Be
thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because
it means you’ve made a difference.
It’s
easy to be thankful for the good things.
A
life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are
also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude
can turn a negative into a positive.
Find
a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and
they can become your blessings.
~Author
Unknown
I ran across this lovely prose the other day and was quite taken by this unknown author’s point of view, being thankful for the challenges, the setbacks, being tired. When speaking of gratitude we often speak of the uplifting moments that light our life; with our family, our children, our friends, in our home, and around the table. But of course our lives also include more challenging times, times of struggle that wrap around us like shadows. I like the idea of finding a way to be thankful for these times as well. Recognizing that these moments serve to strengthen our character.
As the sun sets and you reflect on your day, what moments were uplifting? What moments were challenging? What are you grateful for in both of those experiences?
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The theme for November is Gratitude and we have seen some gorgeous images expressing thankfulness. Please continue to share your list of things you are grateful for either here on the blog or on our Facebook page. Also, please share your grateful-themed pictures on our Flickr page, our Flickr phoneography page, or on Instagram with the hashtag #focusingonlife.
12 comments:
Gratitude is more obvious to me after coming through tough times. A real eye opener. Then I really appreciate what I do have.
Wonderful verse! So hard to do sometimes but so worth the effort! Turning a negative experience into something positive will help us be happier, lose the negative energy that brings us down. Such a good reminder Carol! Thank you, just what I needed!
Just this morning I read a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln, something to the effect of you can complain about the thorn on the rose bush or you can be thankful for the roses on the thorn bush. I'll have to find the exact quote. But it's the same idea. We can choose to emphasize the negatives in our lives {and we all have them!} or we can emphasize the positives and {as Kelly reminded us} choose to be grateful. Wow! Are we ever getting deep here in this month of gratitude! But that's what it's all about. Thank you, Carol, for a lovely and though-provoking post.
Gratitude…such a powerful word! I wish that our younger generation could grasp this attitude! Im just so thankful that when I was a child I did not get everything I wanted, got spankings when I was being stubborn and learned to live without. I have learned so much…never taking anything for granted, appreciate the simple pleasures in life, being happy and content with whatever the good Lord gives me! Thanks for the beautiful post! And by the way, did anyone notice that silver of moon in the photo? Love it!
Gorgeous photos, Carol, and a wonderful, thought-provoking sentiment. It's not easy when times are hard to think of what we may be gaining and that, if things were always easy and good, would we appreciate them as much? Were these photos shot when you were in San Diego? The color in both of them is perfection and, as Susan said, that little sliver of a moon just adds to the overall beauty of the second shot. Loving every "grateful" post this month!
beautiful photos and prose to ponder on for today! Thank you Carol.
Wow, I just love that quote! Yes, it is all too easy to be grateful when life is easier, but the true judge of our gratefulness comes when we go through trials. That second photo made my jaw drop...so, so beautiful!
Wonderful post on the theme of gratitude. It's so true that we need adversity to appreciate what we have. I love the poem and your beautiful images.
I love this poem! ANd our photos just dazzle. I think the last photo is absolute perfection! Thank you - all so wonderful!
Stunning photos and heartfelt words…thank you for sharing! xoxo
What wonderful, stunning images from your vacation, thanks for sharing these with us and reminding us that everyone wants to be on top of the mountain, but it's in the valleys where we grow. All of our life's experiences, the good, the bad & the ugly help us to focus on our blessings. Love that poem, it is thought provoking. Thank you!!
carol these photos are extraordinary. and this is really the test isn't it? learning to see the beauty in the difficult times. i love this so much...it is an inspiration to stay in gratitude. thank you.
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