5 Simple Ways To Wake Up Grateful

 

What is the first thought that crosses your mind when you wake up every day? As the fog starts lifting from your brain, do you think grumpy thoughts or grateful thoughts?

 

Typically I start my day wondering how everything can possibly get done in the next 18 hours. It seems like most things have to be accomplished in the first hour!

 

 

I have been working at changing my mindset as I start each day.

 

You might still be worn and weary. The problems in your life will probably still be there but shifting to a grateful heart can make all the difference in the world!

 

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory. Psalm 63:1-2

 

Having a truly grateful heart is easiest when done with God’s help.

 

These 5 simple ways to wake up grateful every day will totally change your attitude and outlook on life!

 

1. Wake Up and Magnify the Lord

 

When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches. Psalm 63:6

 

Do you wake up suddenly when your baby is crying to be nursed? Or do you wake up slowly because your kids are grown, not wanting to leave from underneath the warm comforter?

 

I have done both because you might not realize that just a few short years ago, I had five kids six and under and also a nine-year-old and eleven-year-old. Whichever season you are in, you can be sure I know what it’s like!

 

Both the young mother and the empty-nester have two things in common. Both might not want to wake up and would love to roll over for more sleep!

 

But here’s the thing.

 

Five years ago, a close friend went to be with Jesus at only 42!

 

A year ago a young mother I know, passed suddenly in her sleep. She was ONLY 26!

 

Not even two weeks ago, my Dad went to Heaven after he had fully lived for Jesus for 96 years!

 

We don’t know if today will be our last day or if we will live for many years like my father.

 

When you wake up and feel overwhelmed or heavy about what your day holds, start off with gratitude, and you will be amazed at how your outlook will drastically change!

 

Before I roll out from underneath my white comforter, I am thanking God and lifting His name up in praise. Let’s magnify Him together!

 

Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3

 

2. Pause for Gratitude and Coffee

 

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let such as love Your salvation say continually,
“The Lord be magnified!” Psalm 40:16

 

Do you head out to the kitchen for coffee as soon as your feet hit the floor? I don’t!

 

I workout first so that I am fully awake for my Quiet Time!

 

I do enjoy a shot of coffee with a cup of hot chocolate and mixing in a little gratitude will get your day off to a great start!

 

Even if you only have time for 5 or 10 minutes before your kids get up, spend a little time reading your Bible with Jesus by your side!

 

3. Expresso Gratitude with Pen and Paper

 

4. Sweeten Your Tone with Gratitude

 

 

“We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. Revelation 11-17

 

How often I had a wonderful time with the Lord, then forgot it as soon as one of my kids misbehaved!

 

It is easy to blame-shift when our kids misbehave and become impatient with them for their ‘sin.’

 

I am going to suggest that whether it is with your kids or husband that we sweeten our tone with gratitude.

 

It is easy to raise our hands in worship to the Lord in church yet speak with an un-gracious tone with those we love dearly.

 

Praising our kids can be hard when they deserve anything but praise!

 

The truth is, that when we show our kids gratitude, it puts them in a position to have a better relationship with us and with the Lord.

 

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised
In the city of our God,
In His holy mountain. Psalm 48:1

 

5. Walking Humbly with Praise and Prayer

 

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

 

Walking with the Lord, is often how we refer to our relationship with the Lord.

 

Gratitude isn’t an automatic thing. It takes intentionality and if you want to make it part of your daily life, it takes humility.

 

I hope you will ask God in prayer each day to help you to wake up with gratitude and praise. It is only by the grace of God that you woke up today.

 

Each day is a gift from God to live with gratitude towards Him and those in our life!

 

Did you wake up this morning? What is ONE THING that fills you with GRATITUDE?