Nowadays, there aren’t too many things that surprise me. But at 7p.m. on January 10, 2019, the surgeon who 12 hours earlier ended two decades of pain by giving me a new artificial ankle, walked up to my bed and said, “Thank you for allowing me to perform your surgery.”

That was a powerful moment for me because this gifted physician had the humility to say “thank you” when I was the one who was — and will always be – deeply thankful for how he literally changed my life. Not only did my surgeon’s gratitude humble me, but it reminded me how important it is to practice thankfulness.

But why? One reason is because an attitude of gratitude is energizing; it gives us a sense of calmness, contentment and even joy. A thankful disposition generates more optimism about the present and hope for the future, and it empowers us to approach situations, no matter now stressful, with greater positivity and confidence.

So, how do we cultivate an attitude of gratitude? 

First, we must realize that an attitude of gratitude doesn’t just happen — we have to choose to be grateful and make a habit of finding something to be grateful for, no matter what is going on in our lives. 

Second, gratitude can be a great antidote for a sour disposition. Years ago, whenever our children started complaining or became critical, my wife would make them say 10 things they were thankful for. While they may not have felt like making that list, the exercise took them out of their self-absorption and helped them discover how very blessed they were. As the little song says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done.” 

That’s not only a good suggestion for kids, but making a gratitude list is a healthy habit for adults, too. When we get down or discouraged, we should take a moment to reflect on three or four things we can be thankful about to lift us out of our slump — like eyes that see, hearts that beat, food and shelter, family and friends, freedom and peace, and a million other gifts. We just need to stop, take our eyes off ourselves and ponder all that is true, good and beautiful.

And creating a “thankfulness list” can help others, as well. A simple way to strengthen relationships with family, friends, work colleagues or even the person waiting your table, is to tell them one or two things you appreciate about them. You’ll be amazed at how it brightens someone’s day!

Third, I think one of the best ways to cultivate an attitude of gratitude is by surrounding yourself with grateful, positive people. After all, gratitude is more easily caught than taught, and it’s far more refreshing to be around someone who compliments more than complains. And that comes from focusing on the positive. As Philippians 4:8 says, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, may we learn how to make every day a day for giving thanks. And let us remember the Source of every blessing, the One who made us and loves us more than we can possibly fathom. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 118:1

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