“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -Thessalonians 5:15-18

We need hopeful visionaries. We don’t need people who blame everybody else and say everything isn’t the way it should be. We need people who are positive, who are life-giving, who are encouraging. We need leaders in business, politics, and especially the church to pave a hopeful way forward. To do this, you just begin to practice gratitude. Begin thanking God and others for the good things in your life and just watch. So much of your stress and boredom will go away: your life will fill up with vision, purpose, success, and goodness. When you intentionally decide to be thankful for all that you have — even the little things — it makes all the difference in the world. The world needs you, the kind of person who is overflowing with life and joy. People are drawn to you, and that’s a good thing.

PRAYER: Thank you, God, for your purpose. Help me focus on being thankful for the good things you provide so I can draw others to you.

REFLECTION: Try practicing gratitude and see how it changes you. Tell people that you are thankful for them.