As much as I like to think of myself as a cup half full optimist, I recognize a tendency, at times, to see an empty cup. In those moments, my prayer is “Lord, let gratitude supersede any complaint.” Gratitude invites us to shift our perspective and it can literally rewire our brains.

“Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”- Ephesians 5:20

Like a muscle, gratitude must be exercised to become our dominant response. It’s not about denying the realities of our personal circumstances or the state of our world. It’s remembering to look for God’s goodness in the midst of it all.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.”- 2 Corinthians 9:15

“I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”- Psalm 9:1

I invite you to exercise gratitude and a little creative writing with me as we express what we’re grateful for in six words. Why six words? I stumbled upon Six Word Memoirs years ago and was intrigued by the challenge.

Join me? What are you grateful for?

I’ll start.

Grateful for…“The gift of life and perspective”