The impact of gratefulness was a topic of interest for researchers Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough. They asked three groups to keep a weekly journal recording various features. One group recorded items they were grateful for. Another reported neutral events. The last detailed their problems.
At the end of the study, the results were obvious. The group that kept track of items for which they were grateful exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical illness symptoms, were more optimistic and felt better prepared for the upcoming days.
An outlook marked by anxiety, on the other hand, is an endless disaster. The story is told of a woman on a cruise ship who was an extremely nervous traveler; she was constantly running to the captain with her fears. When the ship finally came to its destination, the captain said to her, “You can stop worrying now, madam. We’ve dropped the anchor.”
“I’m not surprised,” the woman replied. “It’s been hanging over the side for days.”
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT
Carrying an attitude of gratitude always improves outlook. Gratitude releases ego’s hold on us. You can express your thanks to God for the breath of life filling your lungs, for the blessings of life flooding your very existence.
MY PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the many blessings You have placed in my life. Amen.
