Refresh the Soul
Good Day To You,
What’s the big deal about active gratitude? Why is this practice of so critical? The practice of active gratitude establishes new tracks of joy in the brain to bring health and create attachments for life. Active gratitude is simply asking the Holy Spirit to bring up a memory. Think of a memory that makes you feel grateful and connected to God in that moment. Then live in it for 10-15 seconds. The encounter of these memories coupled with gratitude is an amazing agent for Christ-like formation and personal strength for your everyday journey. Let me relate two significant points of application that come from active gratitude:
Power Perspective - You will notice that the memory could be from before you came to faith or recently or even one that you have not recalled in many years. This memory coupled with the emotions of hope, or validation, significance, fulfillment, humility or strength create a powerful perspective. You will gain a fresh realization of how God has been faithful, involved and consistent in applying his grace and the leading of your life. This revelation gives you an amazing perspective that God is for you, has been with you, knows where you are and knows what you need at any given moment. A dynamic and powerful perspective is set in your mind and heart.
Shared Experience - When these memories of gratitude and joy and the emotions that accompany these memories are related to another something dramatically happens. When sharing an active gratitude memory one’s face and countenance of joy is caught by the listener. The eyes of the recaller light up with expression because of the emotion attached, and those listening are impacted by the goodness of God in this related encounter. It sticks. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. Deut. 4:9.
We are challenged here in scripture to take these sweet memories and not let them escape from our mind but as long as we live past them on, relive them and communicate them to our children and grandchildren. Why? Because it imprints on their lives a shared experience of Gods faithfulness and practical daily relationship.
These are wonderful and powerful applications of active gratitude, and that’s just two of them…try it and see what happens in your mind and life.
Q: What grateful memory could you share around the table tonight? And see what happens.
Q: If you did this more often what do you think might be a side benefit in your soul?