Attitude of Gratitude

Galatians 4:15 Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then?

 Your attitude may be reflective of your perceived situation in life, but it can also affect others. It can change their attitude for good or not. This story is an example.

 Jerry is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"  And he was a natural motivator. If someone was having a bad day, Jerry would tell them how to look on the positive side of the situation.

 When asked about how he remained positive all the time, Jerry replied, "Each morning I say to myself, Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or in a bad mood. I choose good mood.  Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.”

One day he lived that model. He was robbed, beaten and shot. He was near death.

 "Then, as I lay there, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine.  But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared.  In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."

"There was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me. She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Bullets!'  Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead'."

Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude, which gave everyone involved a lift. The attitude of one person can change the whole atmosphere of a place; a family, a church, a neighborhood.

We can—with the help of God—be miracle workers with our words and actions.

 These kids will lift your attitude, especially the last one. Gratitude Attitude

 Watch this! But before you do, draw a picture or think of something you are grateful for.

Then, watch this!  A Moving Story About Gratitude  Now, aren’t you glad you did?