Noticing the good lifts you up

Nathen came out of his room in a joyful mood. He had just won at playing a computer game with a friend. The boy is definitely not always in a good mood. He can be very grumpy, and even mean, at times. But when something positive occurs that make him happy, he becomes a different child. He may even compliment you, which is very unusual.

I pondered how different Nathen is when things are going well for him -- things that make him especially happy. He becomes actually a pleasure to be around. I pondered this difference in him when life went well, in his estimation, and when it went sour -- also in his estimation.

Then I delved into the whole subject of gratitude. You have to notice that what is making you ecstatic and joyful, actually comes from the act of gratitude. Although you don't always pay attention to the whys and mechanics of being grateful, thankfulness sums it up. In the book "Attitudes of Gratitude," author M.J. Ryan says that "joy and gratitude are inseparable." The dictionary says "Joy is emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, or possessing what one desires, Gratitude is that state of being appreciative of benefits received. So Ryan says, "Whenever we are appreciative, we are filled with a sense of well-being and swept up by the feeling of joy." Ryan believes so strongly in the power of being grateful, she calls it, "A journey of the soul."

So when something good occurs that you've been desiring or working toward, don't just chalk it up as another rung on the ladder of your being successful, and keep on plugging. But stop and appreciate what has happened to you and become thankful. Then you will experience the full benefits of joy. You will be happy for what you've attained, and the realization of the good that's happened to you, will be appreciated. Life will be a series of your being glad that you were able to acquire something you wanted or attain a goal. You will feel proud, and you will feel fortunate because of it.

You must get in the habit of being thankful and grateful every minute, hour and day, of the good that's around you, your children, families, home, love, clothes -- and yes, even as Nathen did -- the joy and appreciation of winning a game, even though he didn't realize the real reason for his joy.

Rather than looking at what happens in your life as chance, a commonplace occurrence, or a sure thing anyway, look at it another way. Awesome is the word. If we stop and realize the wonderful, we encounter constantly in our lives, no other word will fit.

I visit a retirement center almost daily to visit a close relative. I also walk while I'm there. My relative becomes bored and often doesn't see much beauty. She's negative, often, and fails to realize how fortunate she is. I am in awe every day as I try to get my, at least 10,000 steps in. The grounds are beautiful. Flowers are blooming all over, and the whole landscape is beautiful. The quiet adds to its attraction. The weather has been nice, and I feel joyful that I'm allowed to walk there. Such a seemingly small gift can mean so much if it's noticed and appreciated.

Studies have shown that being realistically grateful, not Pollyannaish, contributes toward better health and feelings of well-being. This subject has been much talked about, but there's more depth to it than honestly does meet the eye. Scripture backs up the effects of joy when it cites that "A merry heart does good, like a medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones." Romans 15:13. If you adopt the habit of genuine appreciation for your life and surroundings, life will be a constant banquet. Try it.