Cheerfulness and Gratitude…
They are a choice, aren’t they? Have you ever known someone who was in the habit of griping? Or being negative? Or looking at “what’s wrong” instead of what could be right?
It is so important that when our daughters our young (and sons too, of course!) that we help them develop a spirit of cheerfulness, gratitude and joy! In fact, one’s attitude greatly determines his success and achievement in life!
“Out of the mouth flow the issues of the heart.”
Ouch.
There again, it starts with us. I want to challenge you (and myself) to monitor what comes out of our mouths–just for today. Notice whether there are words of optimism, gratitude and cheerfulness, or whether we tend toward negative thoughts and words.
So much of our attitude is seeping in to form theirs! While you’re monitoring your words, try to focus on framing them in a positive way.
Instead of, “What a mess! We’re never going to get all this cleaned up!” Say something like, “Wow…OK, hold up your hands…how many hands do we have? That’s a lot of hands so we should be able to clean this up really quickly!”
Just to give you an idea of what I’m talking about 😉
Or when you hear a little one pose a negative statement, help her restate it in a more positive light. And of course, reminding them of our daily blessings can be a real help. (Count your blessings, name them one by one!)
I am often SO guilty of negative words!!! But what a blessing when our mouths become “springs of life” to those around us.
Another tip–if you are in the habit of ungratefulness, sing. Singing is a great way to “bend the heart” in a different direction (if you’re singing the right songs!)
Let our lives be adorned by cheerfulness and gratitude. What a blessing to each other and to the world around us. These are cornerstones that will keep our structure sturdy.
8 comments
wonderful.. and timely (for me anyway!) post. our family has started picking up an elderly lady for church each sunday, and the poor thing is just so grouchy and well, bitter. it was hard to even converse with her:(
but it was a really good example for the kids to see. they saw what negativity looks like from the outside, and i think the sight did more teaching than i have been able to do in years, lol. (i’ll be honest- it was good for *me* to see too!) we’re praying for her peace of mind and good humor too♥
A positive attitude is the most amazing asset in a family, I think. Even if just one person has it, it’s infectious! It can make bad times good and good times even better!
~Bethany
Amen to that! I needed that so much. Thank you!
“I want to challenge you (and myself) to monitor what comes out of our mouths”
Thanks for this! I kid you not, no sooner had I closed this post, than my 3 yo spilled his milk (again!) and it was heading straight for my laptop. I opened my mouth to start shouting at him, and your words checked me. Thanks a million.
Awesome reminder! Im going to take note for the rest of the day what comes out.
Great reminder, thanks!
Liked what you had to say here!
Thanks for the reminder. Seems I could use this one every HOUR.