A Thankful heart

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."                                           (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Have you ever witnessed a judgmental person responding to a job done not to their satisfaction?  It is disheartening to watch and you can’t help but feel powerless. In a situation like this, most of us will do one of two things--clam up and internalize it or lash out and be defensive. Let's imagine the judgmental party to be a wife and the other person to be her husband. I can only guess that a husband in such a situation like this would feel powerless and unappreciated, for example.  Such situations can easily lead to resentment or heated quarrels.   "A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand."  (Proverbs 27:15-16). But two simple words can change that whole situation, 'thank you'.  "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22).  It is amazing how thankfulness can not only change the situation but also affect each person's mental and emotional perspective. I love witnessing that same couple when the wife simply says "thank you."  The simple act of saying "thank you" changes the atmosphere so drastically from hostile to warm, loving, welcoming, and encouraging.  I have moments where I've had to stop and consciously kill those judgmental words of decay.  And I have learned, the hard way, that using less words and intentionally conveying positivity are powerful tools in one's marriage.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8).