Last week, I had lunch with a longtime friend.
As we caught up on the latest details of our lives he shared a recent misfortune.
“The transmission went out on my car.”, he shared with a look of disgust on his face.
“I can’t catch a break! As soon as I get another job and start stacking my dollars my transmission goes out.”
I sat up in my seat and smiled at my friend, then responded, “Sounds like a blessing to me.”
“Hmph! Really? How so, Linal?”, he shot back.
I paused for a moment.
“It’s a blessing if you switch your lens. What if you chose to look through a lens of gratitude?”
My friend smirked a bit and replied, “Okay, you have my attention.”
I then went on to share how tragic it would have been for his transmission to malfunctioned during his job search.
I reminded him that he didn’t have the money to address a mishap of this magnitude when he was unemployed, thus he should actually be grateful that his car got him through that period of time.
He reluctantly agreed.
Are you looking at your current circumstance or situation through a lens of gratitude?
Most of have grown so accustom to the many luxuries and conveniences of living in a ‘First World’ country that we offer our complaints almost immediately, when we encounter minor obstacles.
We complain about…
- Traffic
- Stoplights
- Bad drivers
- Cold food
- Broken appliances
- Slow WiFi
- Too much email
…the list could go on and on.
We allow the inconveniences of our blessed state of being, to alter our moods and change our day, causing us to lose sight of the things that really matter.
The same things that provide a perspective on how blessed we all really are!
Did you know that every year, eighteen million people die as a result of poverty or poverty related circumstances?
Somewhere, a mother is going hungry so her children can eat.
Somewhere, a father is being humiliated because he cannot protect his family the way he hoped he could.
Somewhere, a child will wake up with no access to a bathroom. He or she will have to walk to a discreet place outside of the comfort of their home to handle their biological business.
Yet, we angrily curse and complain about the toe we stubbed in the dark of our furnished, heated home.
I’ve had the opportunity to visit over 260 cities in 30 countries all over the globe.
Along with the many wonders of travel, I’ve also witnessed poverty that will make a grown man (with an open heart) cry on sight.
I’ve witnessed sickness and disease unlike anything we’ve seen in our modern cities, with our modern medicine.
I suppose my exposure has shifted my perspective on gratitude.
We have so much, for which we should be thankful.
This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States.
As we prepare to celebrate this week’s holiday, and gather with our family, friends and loved ones, I’m asking that we practice looking at our lives through the lens of gratitude.
Each day this week, take a moment to express your gratitude aloud about anything in your life.
It could be as simple as having dry socks to wear, in your dry shoes.
It doesn’t matter how small you think it may be, it’s a big deal!
Share your appreciation and gratitude aloud.
If you happen to post it on social media, please use the hash tag #InspirationalPerspective so we can all see what you are grateful for.
Please share this post with anyone you know who could use a healthy dose of gratitude, on this week of Thanksgiving.
I am truly blessed, and I have so much to be thankful for; of these many blessings I’m grateful for all of your continued support. Thank you!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and remember to stay inspired; it’s a lifestyle choice!
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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Sounds like a1st class Sunday message to me. Go ahead and preach bishop!