The More Grateful I am, the Happier I’ll Be

In Philippians 1:3 I read, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” (NLT)

If I want to have healthy relationships, start with an attitude of gratitude. I will be far happier and enjoy my relationships more if I develop the habit of being grateful for the people in my life. Philippians 1:3 says, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (NLT).

This simple truth is the foundation of good relationships. 

When I think of the people in my life, is my first feeling gratitude? Or am I more likely to ask, “What do they need to do for me? What are our problems? What do we have to get done?” My first thought may not be gratitude. But Paul’s first thought for his friends was one of gratitude, and it is the model I should follow if I want my relationships to last.

Here’s the problem: The longer I know someone, the more likely I’ll take that person for granted. With the passage of time, it becomes easier to focus on that person’s faults and the bad times instead of the happy times.

That’s why it will take effort on my part to choose to have an attitude of gratitude for the people in my life. The longer my relationships last, the harder it may be to remember. But I will experience an eternal impact on my relationships when I develop the habit of giving thanks to God when I think of my wife, daughter, mother, siblings, neighbors, coworkers, and small group members.

In summary, when I think of those in my life, I should give thanks to God for them.To have healthy relationships, I need to start with an attitude of gratitude. When I think of the people in my life, is my first feeling gratitude? Or am I more likely to ask, “What do they need to do for me what are our problems or what do we have to get done?” Paul’s first thought for his friends was one of gratitude, and it is the model I too should follow. The longer I know someone, the more likely I’ll take that person for granted. It becomes easier to focus on that person’s faults and the bad times instead of the happy times. It will take effort on my part to choose to have an attitude of gratitude. If I do, I will experience an eternal impact on my relationships when I develop the habit of giving thanks to God when I think of my wife, daughter, mother, siblings, neighbors, coworkers, and small group members.

As I reflect on this, I can see that gratitude is not something that comes out often enough. I need to replace the negative thoughts such as what do they want, and why are they waiting for me to do it or to pass it on. I’m grateful for my immediate family, especially my wife. Today I will find ways to thank them and you Father for their presence in my life. I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my relationships and my interactions with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.