Gratitude

 HAPPY MONDAY!!! 

I hope your week has started smoothly. This evening I have some thoughts on gratitude to share and a quick weeknight meal you can throw together in a pinch! Hope you enjoy :) 

What is gratitude?

When I think of gratitude, I often think of the cliche things. You know...the things people say they are thankful for around the Thanksgiving table. Though all of these things are not to be taken for granted and are indeed wonderful blessings, gratitude does not stop there. Gratitude is defined by Oxford Languages as "readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness." When I think about that last piece "return kindness," I recognize that gratitude is much deeper than just being thankful. Gratitude makes us a better person, it heals our hearts, builds community and most of all it breeds kindness. I once was told that gratitude and anxiety cannot coexist. Looking into this concept more, I have learned there are studies that show the brain cannot process both of those at the same time therefore gratitude overcomes anxiety. As a person who struggles with anxiety, this is quite the discovery. Even the Bible speaks about this. In Phillipians 4:6-7 we are instructed "Do not be anxious about anything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

I have heard this verse many times in my life however never looked at it until recently from the lens of gratitude. In the past, I have read "Do not be anxious" and have thought "Yeah, right. Easier said than done." That is the last thing a mom wants to hear when she feels overwhelmed and scared. However, when I think about this coming from the mouth of Jesus as His truth and with a heart of gratitude instead of worry, it hits different. I believe Jesus tells us to go to him in prayer with gratitude because when we do that we can't help but see all the beautiful things He has given us and how He has intricately written our story through hardship, pain and joy. He is the only source of true peace and that is what every anxious mind desires. The way I see it laid out in this verse, we get that peace through prayer with a grateful heart.  

When I feel overwhelmed and inadequate as a mom, this way of thinking leads to thanking God for the opportunity to be a mom in the first place, that I have kids who are healthy, a home to raise them in and a supportive husband as my partner in parenthood. With all this being said, I encourage you next time you feel anxious, overwhelmed or stressed first of all know that it is normal. There is no guilt in feeling these things as we are all human. Second, look at it through a lens of gratitude and you will start to see God's blessings in your life come to the forefront of your brain and overcome those worries and fears just like scripture says. And just for the record, I am reminding myself of this probably more than anyone else :) 

Lastly, one thing that I have done in the past that I want to start back is a gratitude journal. I'd love for you to join in! Every night or morning, depending on your schedule, quickly write down 3 things you are grateful for in that moment. This sets us up for daily reminders to have a grateful heart even on the days we feel like everything is falling apart. Let me know if you do and the ways it impacts your heart! 

Recipe of the Day

Quick, one pan meals are a favorite right now for me. This week we tried something new with a favorite Costco find. 

Homemade Japanese Take Out(20 min meal)

*no picture of the final product because we ate it all so quickly 

Ingredients:

Chicken thighs/breast(cubed) - season with salt, pepper, garlic powder 

The Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce(a Costco must have)

Frozen or fresh veggies

Rice(any kind you want) 

In an oiled skillet on med high heat, seer seasoned chicken until almost cooked through. Add veggies, stir and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add sauce and simmer on low until chicken and veggies are cooked through. Serve with a drizzle of yum yum sauce if you want. Enjoy your quick and easy meal! 

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement in the next post!! Have a great week!