Thankfulness: It’s a matter of focus

In a society that covets, thankfulness can be a difficult thing.  If you spend your life looking at people who have things you want, you will never be grateful  I have posted before that the key to thankfulness is knowing what you have.  Too many people think they aren’t rich because they keep up with the Kardashians.  I recently saw a statistic saying people whose income is more than $30,000 USD per year are in the top 1% of worldwide income earners.  I agree that sounds unbelievable.  Still, if your measuring stick for possessions is someone who seems to have anything they want, you will never find contentment.  You must change your focus.

We must open our eyes and see what we have.  Do you have family and friends who love you?  You are blessed.  Do you have a car, television, cell phone, computer or a home?  You are blessed.  Perhaps you have none of these.  There are still blessings in life.  Are you healthy?  Can you hear, see, taste or feel?  You are blessed. 

If you base your happiness on things, you will never be satisfied.  Things can break and become useless.  Also, there is no shortage of newer things coming to market.  You will go broke getting them all and you will find futility in chasing after them.  Not one thing that can be bought will ever touch you and your life the way another human can. 

Put your focus on what you already have and those you love.  My sister likes to say we should invest our lives into things that will outlast it.  Create a lasting legacy by helping those in need.  Give as you receive.  Just because you have doesn’t mean it is meant for you.  Change your thinking.  Give to others and live a thankful life.