Thinking is Thanking

There's a German saying attributed to Martin Heidegger: denken ist danken. In English that translates to "thinking is thanking." We won't go into Heidegger's existential philosophy (aren't you glad?) but when it comes to this "thinking is thanking" thing, he's on to something.

Even when times are hard, there is so much to be thankful for. If you think about it long enough, you'll be able to come up with something...even if it's just that things could be worse. The key is actually thinking about it. It's a choice; one you'll have to make for yourself even if everyone around you chooses to be negative. Wondering if the choice to be thankful is the right one? God thinks so. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus."

Look for things to be thankful for (rather than things to complain about) and you'll feel better, look better (fewer frowny-face wrinkles!), and be a lot more fun to be around. Having trouble getting started? Here's a freebie: God knows everything about you and loves you anyway. Isn't that reason enough to be thankful?

Think about it.

Taken from the November 2008 Women of Faith Faith to Faith Newsletter.