GRATITUDE How does it feel when you give a young chap a gift and he doesnt show appreciation afterwards? Im sure some will so much rebuke the child or be expecting when hed say it. Do you know youre guilty too? When last did you show gratitude to God and your spouse? Ill concentrate on spouse in this article. “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 5:20 Gratitude is showing thankfulness and appreciation for what a person does. In order to be thankful, however, you must be able to recognize the giver’s favour, gifts or kindness done to you. Certainly the command to give thanks for everything must apply to our spouses! Your husband or wife is a very big and important part of your life. God is glorified as we delight in and give thanks for the spouse He has given us! As much as giving is good but showing gratitude is great. Showing genuine gratitude, to both God and your spouse, reveals real love and strengthens the relationship. Giving thanks is easy and should be done for both the little, minute and the big things, especially those things a spouse does on daily basis. There must be a constant appreciation for each other and thoughtful demonstration of gratitude. A couple must encourage and help each other grow. Marriage is a joint quest for the good, the beautiful, and the divine. Appreciate him/her even in little things, say thank you often. Most times we say it is his/her duty, come of it and appreciate him/her for performing that duty, what if he/she chooses to neglect it? So say thank you. Lets consider few ways to show gratitude. 1. Take note: Do not be too busy or distracted to appreciate your better half, taking note of even the smallest act of gesture worth commendation. Pay attention to details of what he/she has done to you. 2. Vocalize it: Don’t just take note, verbally thank your spouse for working hard for your family, or taking time out of their day to engage and connect with you. If you see something commendable in them, take the time to let them know! Such words of affirmation can be a great blessing and encouragement to your love. Now, some people especially men experience issues in this aspect because they do less talk but may I tell you, it is a good way to show gratitude! Hey darling, having you is the greatest gift to me from God, thank you for the gift of understanding, care, love and commitment. The thing is, I love you. Thank you for everything. This should sure bring out a heart warming smile! 3. Focus on what you have {not what’s missing}. In our world of discontentment, it can be easy to get stuck on how your spouse isn’t meeting your expectations. Refuse to fall prey to this trap! When such negative thoughts arise, choose to turn them around and give thanks to the Lord for the good things. Remember the qualities that drew you to them in the first place. Meditate on the blessings you enjoy as a couple, and give thanks that the Lord isn’t finished with either of you yet! To be continued... Oluwatoyin Adebowale KEY ©2014
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 06:16:53 +0000
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