Maintaining An Attitude of Gratitude - Day Three

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For the rest of this week, the Daily Devos will be centered around what it takes to maintain an attitude of gratitude each and every day.  Spoiler Alert:  It's not as easy as it seems!  

Being grateful can not only prolong your life, it actually makes you a better person. 

 It's true.  According to a Harvard Business study on philanthropy in the United States, an attitude of gratitude can enhance your happiness, your health and your overall purpose in life.  

 The study revealed that there was a direct connection between generous practice and measures of well-being.  In other words, the more generous people are, the more fully they are able to embrace abundant life.  

 Dr. David DeSteno of Northeastern University believes that when we develop the habit of practicing gratitude it has the effect of enabling us to build resilience.  He writes:  
It's not about being thankful for things that have already occurred and, thus, can't be changed; it's about ensuring the benefits of what comes next.  It's about making sure that tomorrow, and the day after, you will have something to be grateful for.  
All of this makes perfect sense, really---especially when you consider the people in your life who are filled with bitterness, anger, resentment and who can't seem to find any joy at all.  Most likely, they long ago abandoned the practice of gratitude.  

 Diana Butler Bass asserts that the "habit of gratefulness helps us thrive."  Jesus essentially said the same thing when he constantly reminded his followers of his desire for them to live full and abundant lives.  The Apostle Paul puts it like this: 
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
So take the time today to practice gratitude.  Find things to be grateful for and celebrate them.  Even if you are going through a rough season of your life, you can still call to mind so many things to give thanks to God for.  

 And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen. 

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