Give Thanks in all circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
by Sharon Dunn
One of my goals this year has been to stop comparing myself to others. I really think it gives Satan a stronghold in my life. I'm trying to catch myself when I find myself comparing in relationships, in what I own, in health, in achievements and with where my adult children are in their lives. When I start listening to that tape playing in my head, I find that it happens a lot.
The strongest weapon I have found against comparison is gratitude. When my mind is occupied with what other people have, I miss out on God's abundant provision in my life. Focusing on big things like being cancer free is a good place to start. But I also think it is the little gifts that God gives every day that can help me flip the script on comparing myself to others. At the end of the day when I lay down to go to sleep, I ask myself what was good about the day. The list is abundant: a baby's smile, a friendly dog, a meaningful conversation with a friend or stranger, clothes or jewelry that made me feel pretty, the sun on my skin, a good book, watching the snow fall from inside my cozy house. I could add so much more to that list.
How about you? What are some of the little things you are grateful for? Maybe there is something big in your life that you are celebrating in this season of gratitude. Leave a comment along with your email address. I will be giving several randomly chosen readers copies of the three Christmas books I've written. Alaskan Christmas Target, Christmas Hostage, and Tasha's Christmas Wish (USA only).
Something I am extremely thankful for is finding out a family member who has lung cancer due to a genetic anomaly finally has seen some clearing of the lung due to some trial medication that has just been released in the United States. He was in the hospital for a month, and it wasn't looking good for him. God is so good and answered our prayers. He is by no means out of the woods but I am so thankful he is out of the hospital and has finally made some progress in his battle. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
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I'm grateful for my family.
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I'm grateful for everything even though it's sometimes hard to be grateful for the bad things but I am because I know they're just stepping stones to my final destination
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There is so much to be thankful in my life - big and small. On a daily basis we are visited by a wide array of critters. They not only bring us joy, but as photographers give us subject matter as well. Watching them have given us insight into their actions and personalities. it also triggers the desire to know more about them. We forget how fortunate we are to have research material at the touch of a finger now. That wasn't always true in my lifetime.
ReplyDeleteAt this time of year, I am glad the tree are or have lost all their leaves giving me a better view of the glorious mountains around us. It also allows us to see the eagles and other birds that other times of the year are hidden by the leaves.
I'm grateful for the young people in my life. They remind me of how innocent we all once were. It gives me a way to see life through that innocence. They bring me such joy in so many ways.
I'm extremely grateful for each and every day.
From someone that was told at 25 that they'd never live to see 30, every day is a precious gift to me. Having suffered many great grieves, I've learned to treasure each person in your life today because tomorrow isn't promised. I'm grateful for that hug and the personal connection as the rare gift it is.
There are so many little things I could mention, but I'd be typing, typing and typing. Suffice it to say, I am very blessed and oh so grateful for each and every thing that comes into my life leaving me extremely grateful for God's grace and love.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I am thankful we have survived a very trying year. My husband was diagnosed with lung cancer after two major surgeries. He has completed chemo and so far, the scans are clear. Just before his first surgery, I fell and broke my shoulder. I am still in physical therapy and my shoulder is improving. It will probably not get to where it was before the fall, but hopefully will get to where I need it to be to comfortably function daily. God has blessed us through all of this!
ReplyDeleteThis may seem morbid to some but my sister passed away recently and I am so thankful her suffering has finally ended. She is now in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the Lord's amazing love that He sent His one and only Son into the world to die for my sins. He knew me before the beginning of time and loved me then and continue to love me throughout eternity. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you. dpruss@prodigy.net
ReplyDeleteI am thankful and grateful that I am able to be up and walking. Since August I had to wear an orthotic boot and eventually on both feet; I had to get an upright Rollator to balance me when I was able to put pressure on my feet so that I didn’t fall flat on my face. This means so much to me because I can spend the day with my family and this was made possible by God’s power, love and grace.
ReplyDeleteI am so agree with your perspective about comparison, Sharon. The opposite of comparison is so true! When I feel envious about others' achievements, I would start counting my blessings - I thank God for my health, my family, my traveling to places, etc. Most importantly, I know that God is always with me, through good days and bad. - cwkuen(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for a new season of life and new adventures. I'm thankful for my health and that I get to do what I love--write books. I'm thankful for God's grace and mercy.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for the Lord supplying for our needs, as missionaries and as a pastor's wife, in rural Montana. Appreciate the Christian Fiction that is available, too, and especially all the great books you write, Sharon! Would love to win a print copy of Alaskan Christmas Target. God bless and have a Merry Christmas! Lual Krautter Email: krautter62520AToutlookDOTcom
ReplyDeleteI am Thankful everyday when I wake up and see another Beautiful Day! And I am so Thankful for all my Family and Friends and all the great Authors Sarahbaby601973@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to fall into the trap of comparison, but there is so much to be thankful for if we seek it.
ReplyDeleteI have that same problem, I'm constantly comparing myself to others as well, it's a terrible habit and one I hope to someday break but I don't know if I ever will, it's certainly not easy. But I do have things I'm grateful for; family, friends, a nice home, my health, and books among other things. I'd love a copy of Tasha's Christmas Wish, thank you!
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I'm thankful for my family, my life I've been given, and for a Heavenly Father Who is worthy of my trust because He never disappoints in any way.
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ReplyDeleteI’m especially grateful for: God’s goodness, His love, and His mercy. His goodness meets me in every season, steady and sure. His love holds me in ways I don’t always notice but always need. And His mercy covers the places I fall short, offering grace upon grace.
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