How to Become More Grateful

I have found myself almost unable to express how grateful I am for our volunteers lately.  They are off the hook amazing. 

So I'm asking myself, why is my gratitude at an all time high?

I think there are several reasons. 

First, people have never served so wholeheartedly. But sometimes people throw their hearts into things and people are not grateful.

Second, I think the last year has forced me to drop all expectations around people serving. Portable church is hard.  Every Sunday, heavy gear needs to be hauled, set up, used, and then promptly torn down. Not just for Sunday morning, but for student environments and special events.  I have come to a point where I simply realize that to expect anyone to serve like our people serve is ludicrous.  They do it willingly, joyfully and freely.  I had to give up expecting the kind of service we've seen at Connexus a long time ago. 

So because I don't expect any of this from anyone, here's what I experience instead: I see people's kindness, their willingness to give.  I see their goodness.  I see them as a gift.  We don't deserve any of their goodness. And that makes me grateful.

The best thing I can do to increase my gratitude is to drop all expectations of people.  Try that at home: if you expect someone to take out the garbage and they don't, you resent them.  If you expect them to do it and they do it, you're not grateful.  But if you don't expect them to, and they do it, then it's a gift.  You're just grateful.

If you're looking to increase your gratitude, try this: just drop your expectations. Anyone tried that?  How's it working?  Does this resonate?

Comments

[Jenn Bailey]

Gratitude is an attitude!

That's what we're talking about all month in our kid's environments at Connexus. Helping kids to understand that gratitude is letting others know you see how they have helped you, is what it's all about.

I also find myself short on words to truly express what it means to me to see how selflessly our volunteers give to help Connexus fulfill its mission. Children's Ministry couldn't happen without them.

I am forever grateful!