"Yeah But" Gratefulness

Sometimes ungratefulness sneaks up on us. We get overwhelmed with the things we are dealing with and get so focused on the problem we don't see the blessings around us. Sometimes, there are even blessings in our problems - but that's a blog for another day.

Take this imaginary scenario for an example:  it is summertime, I look out at the beautiful sunshine, smile and praise God for His glory and the beauty in His creation. I look from the sky to the ground and notice that my lawn needs work....today.

Still praising God, I go to the mower but the mower is out of gas. I haul an empty canister down to the gas station, but I have a long wait in line this morning. I get home almost an hour later and a little frustrated but still praising God. I go inside to get a drink of water before filling the mower and notice the water pressure on the sink is a bit low. I then notice there is a leak and water is leaking all over the floor. I call the plumber. So much for putting that money in savings. And on goes the day.....with even after event that could potentially take my mind off the blessings and put them onto the problems.

I call this attitude "yeah but gratefulness". Yes God I am grateful, but......but I'm overwhelmed, but I'm stressed, but I'm in a really bad mood because of these things in my life today but, but, but.

That's not really gratefulness is it? It is however human nature  - a nature the Lord gave us a large degree of victory over by His Holy Spirit. Scripture commands us:

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9 ESV)

In our scenario, if in the middle of my water leaks and lawn mower problems I stop to focus on what IS excellent or, "of good report" (KJV) then my attitude will begin to shift into gratefulness and praise. Both the mind and the heart will begin to change focus and attitude.

Putting Philippians 4:8-9 into practice every day can not only change our day, but change our lives.