Three Ways to Show Gratitude
It’s that time of year again when we pause and think about gratitude and all of the things in our lives that we are grateful for, although we may need a little extra help sometimes to see a silver lining in the dark and dreary clouds that seem to linger. This month more than most, our families come together and take stock of our lives and all of the things that make it what we love and cherish. Even when we can’t physically get together, we can still reach out and pull together as a family and as a community to lift each other’s spirits and be grateful for the life we have managed to nurture despite the hardships we may face. Even so, it can be helpful to have a reminder of ways we can show gratitude to others as we are blessed to do so.
1. Use Your Words!
The simplest way to show gratitude is to speak it. Tell those around you how much you appreciate them. What has someone done recently that really moved you? Let them know how that gesture impacted you in a positive way. Even when that nice gesture wasn’t aimed at you, give applause to the one performing the act. Those private moments of kindness that you don’t realize someone has seen can make a huge impact on an individual and spark a desire for action themselves. Words can speak life to someone, or squash their spirit. Words are powerful, so use them wisely!
2. Use Your Hands
Baking a cake or a pie, getting crafty by making a card or painting a picture are creative ways to show someone how much you care for them. They will see the time and effort you put into your work and they will appreciate what lengths you went to to show how much they mean to you. If you are one who doesn’t have a crafty or baking bone in your body, you can have something made, or pick something up that you know they will enjoy. The sentiment is the same.
Who do you know that could use your help, a kind word, or your time?
3. Use Your Feet
Probably the most helpful, and selfless way to show gratitude is by action. Getting out there and doing something for someone whether it’s a friend, a neighbor, or your community. There is always an opportunity in which you can be of help in some way. Being willing to give up your time, resources, and/or money is a great, selfless way to show gratitude for others. There are so many that are in need of that help. Keep your eyes and ears open for any occasion to practice this.
It is so much easier to have gratitude for your own life when you have spent time helping others. Focusing on other people’s needs instead of your own opens your eyes to the difficulties and struggles that others are facing and puts yours in a dimmer light. We all could use a helping hand at different times in our lives, and supporting each other is a great way to find it.
"You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"