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Psalms - 69:30 - I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Humility, "the quality or state of being humble", is the key for staying in the mindset of thankfulness. Being humble means not taking our blessings for granted. This is how the doors stay open for God to continue pouring his goodness into our lives. I look at some of the young celebrities in our society today who have been blessed with success and wealth. It appears that they take it for granted by behaving irresponsibly and being plastered with negative images all over the internet, television, and gossip columns. They do not show any signs of gratitude, and not realizing that what they have is a gift from God. If we are not thankful for the things that he's so generously given to us, then at some point we will lose them.

Having an attitude that's filled with gratitude prepares one for bigger blessings to come. I was once told that if I appreciate the little things, then God will bless me with so much more. This has been my experience, as I once drove a car that was twelve years old and I knew that it was on its last legs. However, I just didn't know when those legs were going to give out. The engine had an oil leak, smoke filled the air from the exhaust, it would not pass inspection, and it had more problems than I could keep up with. I took it to a mechanic, and his advice was to junk the car and get a new one because investing in repairs would be useless. I found myself in tears because I was in no position to purchase a new one, my credit wasn't good, and I had no money, and financing was out of the question. I continued driving it while praying and giving thanks for getting to and from where I had to go.

On one sweltering hot August day, (did I mention that I had no air conditioning?), I received a discount coupon from a nearby dealership for a used car. I went to see if they had any used cars for my daughter, who was also in need of a car. There were no thoughts in my mind of looking for myself, because I knew that no one would give me credit. Unfortunately, there was nothing available for my daughter, but the sales person convinced me to fill out a credit application. God was definitely with me because I know that he made it possible, I drove off the lot in a brand new car. I was overwhelmed with gratitude because God had worked out something that I thought could not be done. Because I continued to stay thankful for what I had, then was I blessed with something new.

During the winter seasons, when it's really cold outside and I can hear the wind whistling and the cold air sends chills through my body, I give thanks to God. There are so many unfortunate people who don't have a home, food to eat, or warm clothes to wear. Only through God's grace, that I am blessed with a warm place for me and my family. I sometimes feel guilty for wanting more, although it is human to wish for bigger and nicer things. God looks greatly upon those who remain humble and thankful.

I believe that even through times of trouble, we should still always give thanks. Sometimes not-so-good situations may mean that a blessing is on its way. Blessings come in many ways, and God can see what is inside of our hearts.

Learn more about this author, Sharon Wells.
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