It’s November, a time we are all challenged to think more closely about the things we are thankful for.  And living in America, we have A LOT to be thankful for!  This month, many people on my Face Book feed are taking the opportunity to mention something each day that they are thankful for and its great to read about all the ways my friends and family have been and are blessed in so many different ways.

But you know what?  It’s difficult sometimes to be thankful.  It is.  There are all kinds of things that get in the way of our thankfulness.  Having a bad day, bills that pile up, work that isn’t going how you’d like it to go, not having work at all, the neighbors who has fortune seemingly fall into their lap, a car that keeps breaking down, struggles with a relationship, even seeing all the things other people are thankful for…there are lots of things in our lives that make it difficult to be thankful for what we do have.

So what are we supposed to do when being thankful is tough?  How do you move from focusing on those things that trouble us to those things that energize us?  I’ve learned that often times what’s needed is a change of scenery.  And I don’t mean going out and buying a new car, moving, quitting your job, or dumping your boyfriend.  Doing that might bring temporary thanks but it won’t change the problem.  What I’ve found is that I need to stop looking so hard at the things that upset me and start looking at the things I am grateful for.  Matthew 6:21 says, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”  In other words, what we focus ourselves on becomes the most important parts of our lives.

It’s true, isn’t it?  If I am sick of my car, chances are, everyone else’s car seems to look a lot better!  So when you are finding it hard to be thankful, take a look around.  Are you focusing on the things that matter or fixating on the irritants in your life?  If it’s the latter, take a look at the other scenery of your life.  You’ll be thankful you did!

Be a witness,
Nate