Gratitude in Action: Transforming Life through Thankfulness

Can gratitude truly transform your life? Join us on the Crossroads Collective Podcast to explore how embracing thankfulness can profoundly impact your spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Drawing from scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Colossians 3:15-17, we uncover how gratitude is not merely suggested but commanded in the Bible. Delve into scientific studies that reveal the myriad benefits of gratitude, from boosting happiness and reducing stress to improving overall health. Learn practical tips such as keeping a gratitude journal, incorporating thankfulness into prayer, and expressing appreciation through everyday actions to cultivate a resilient, positive mindset.

Our episode also highlights biblical stories that demonstrate the powerful role of gratitude, even in adversity. Discover how figures like Daniel, Paul, and Hannah exemplified thankfulness, and how their stories can inspire your faith journey. We unpack how simple gratitude rituals can enhance daily routines, strengthen relationships, and foster a supportive community. Additionally, you'll gain insight into the physical health benefits of gratitude, like stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure, and its role in spiritual growth, drawing you closer to God. Don't miss this inspiring episode designed to transform your perspective and empower you to live each day with a grateful heart.

For listeners looking to deepen their engagement with the topics discussed, visit our website or check out our devotionals and poetry on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting The New York School of The Bible at Calvary Baptist Church. Stay connected and enriched on your spiritual path with us!

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:26

Welcome to the Crossroads Collective Podcast, where we explore the intersection of faith and everyday life. I'm your host, jm, and I'm so glad you're here with us today. On today's episode, we're going to discuss a topic that's not often talked about, and that's the power of gratitude, or another word for it is thankfulness. Gratitude is more than just saying thank you. It's a powerful practice that can change your perspective and improve your spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. But before we get started, let's begin with a prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of thanks. We ask for your guidance as we explore the power of gratitude today. Open our hearts and minds to understand and embrace the blessings you have bestowed upon us. May this discussion inspire us to live each day with a grateful heart, reflecting your love and grace. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. Gratitude can sometimes seem like a small, even trivial, practice, but it has profound impacts. In the Bible, gratitude is not just encouraged, it's commanded. Let's look at 1 Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 18, which says Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Notice that it says in all circumstances. This is important because it suggests that gratitude is not just for the good times. It's something we are called to practice, even in difficult situations. So how exactly can gratitude transform our mindset? Let's break it down.

Speaker 1: 1:51

First, let's talk about the science behind gratitude. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can significantly boost your happiness and overall life satisfaction. Researchers have found that gratitude can lead to lower levels of stress and depression, improve physical health and stronger relationships. Health and stronger relationships. For example, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who regularly practice gratitude reported feeling more positive emotions, sleeping better and even experiencing fewer aches and pains. Beyond the science, we have a solid biblical foundation for gratitude. Colossians, chapter 3, verses 15 through 17, says hearts and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, the Father. Through him, paul emphasizes that gratitude is integral to our lives as Christians. It's part of letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

Speaker 1: 3:01

One effective way to practice thankfulness is by keeping a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you are thankful for. They can be big or small, from a beautiful sunrise to a kind word from a friend. The act of writing them down helps to cement these positive experiences in your mind. Incorporating gratitude into your prayer life is another powerful practice. Thank God for the blessings you have received and for his presence in your life. Philippians, chapter 4, verse 6, says Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

Speaker 1: 3:37

Expressing appreciation through actions can also be impactful. Simple acts of kindness, such as writing a thank you note or helping a neighbor, can reinforce your own feelings of gratitude. Jesus taught us in Acts, chapter 20, verse 35, it is more blessed to give than to receive. By focusing on giving and serving others, we cultivate a spirit of gratitude within ourselves. Gratitude is deeply connected to our relationships. By expressing appreciation to those around us, we strengthen our bonds and invite positive feelings into our interactions. Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 22, tells us a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. When we cultivate gratitude, we bring a cheerful heart into our relationships and daily lives.

Speaker 1: 4:21

Living with thankfulness doesn't mean ignoring the challenges and difficulties we face. It means acknowledging them while choosing to focus on the blessings we have. James, chapter 1, verse 17, reminds us Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change. Like shifting shadows, gratitude transforms how we see our lives and the world around us. It helps us recognize that even in hard times there are blessings. Starting your day by noting three things you are thankful for can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. You might be thankful for a restful night's sleep, a warm cup of coffee or the opportunity to connect with a loved one. Creating moments of reflection throughout your day can help you stay mindful of your blessings. These moments can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths and thinking about what you are thankful for. Whether it's during your morning routine, while you're having lunch or before you go to bed, these small habits can make a big difference. By regularly pausing to reflect on your blessings, you keep gratitude at the forefront of your mind.

Speaker 1: 5:23

Gratitude can significantly improve mental health. People who regularly practice gratitude report lower levels of stress and depression, and they experience higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Gratitude helps shift our focus from negative experiences to positive ones, fostering a more optimistic outlook on life. But it's not just mental health that benefits from gratitude Physical health can improve as well. Studies have found that grateful people tend to have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure and fewer aches and pains. They also tend to take better care of their health by 35, exercising more and attending regular checkups. This connection between gratitude and physical health underscores the holistic benefits of cultivating a thankful heart. Gratitude enhances our social connections.

Speaker 1: 6:22

When we express gratitude to others, we strengthen Thank you and challenges we face. Rather, it's about recognizing the good in our lives despite those challenges. It's about finding the silver lining and focusing on what we have rather than what we lack. This shift in perspective can be incredibly powerful and transformative. Let's consider the role of gratitude in overcoming adversity. When we face difficult times, it can be easy to get caught up in negative emotions and lose sight of the good in our lives. However, by practicing gratitude, we can shift our focus and find strength and resilience. Gratitude helps us see the bigger picture and recognize that even in the midst of challenges, there are still things to be thankful for. For example, during a difficult season, you might find gratitude in the support of loved ones, the lessons learned from the experience or the simple joys that bring comfort and hope. By focusing on these positives, you can navigate challenges with a more hopeful and resilient mindset.

Speaker 1: 7:19

Gratitude plays a significant role in our spiritual growth. When we cultivate a thankful heart, we draw closer to God and deepen our relationship with Him. We recognize His presence and provision in our lives and we become more aware of His blessings. This awareness can lead to a greater sense of peace and contentment. The practice of gratitude can also enhance our worship. When we come before God with a heart full of thanks, our worship becomes more genuine and heartfelt. We acknowledge His goodness and grace and we express our love and devotion to Him. This can lead to a more profound and meaningful worship experience.

Speaker 1: 7:54

Let's explore some practical ways to cultivate gratitude in our daily lives. One effective practice is to start each day with a gratitude ritual. This could be as simple as taking a few moments in the morning to reflect on what you are thankful for. You might write these down in a gratitude journal or simply speak them out loud. Starting your day with gratitude sets a positive tone and helps you approach the day with a thankful heart. Another practice is to incorporate gratitude into your prayer life. As you pray, take time to thank God for His blessings and for His presence in your life. This not only honors God, but also helps you stay mindful of His goodness. Philippians, chapter 4, verse 6, says Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

Speaker 1: 8:42

Expressing gratitude to others is another powerful way to cultivate a thankful heart. Take time to thank the people in your life who have made a positive impact on you. This could be through a heartfelt note, a kind word or a thoughtful gesture. By expressing your gratitude, you not only strengthen your relationships, but also reinforce your own feelings of thankfulness. Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine can also be beneficial. This might involve taking moments throughout the day to pause and reflect on what you are thankful for. You might do this during your morning routine, while you're having lunch or before you go to bed. These small moments of reflection can help keep gratitude at the forefront of your mind. Gratitude can also be practiced through mindfulness and meditation. Taking time to meditate on the things you are grateful for can help you cultivate a deeper sense of thankfulness. This might involve sitting quietly and reflecting on your blessings, or it might involve a more structured meditation practice focused on gratitude.

Speaker 1: 10:35

Another way to cultivate gratitude is through acts of service. By giving to others and serving those in need, you can foster a sense of gratitude in your own heart. Jesus taught us in Acts, chapter 20, verse 35, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Serving others not only blesses them, but also helps you recognize and appreciate the blessings in your own life. It's also important to practice gratitude in the face of challenges and adversity. When you encounter difficult times, take time to reflect on what you can be thankful for in the midst of those challenges. This might involve finding the lessons learned, appreciating the support of loved ones, or recognizing the strength and resilience gained through the experience. By focusing on these positives, you can navigate challenges with a more hopeful and resilient mindset. In addition to these practices, it's important to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your everyday interactions. This might involve expressing appreciation to those around you, looking for the positives in everyday situations and making a conscious effort to focus on the good in your life. By cultivating this attitude, you can create a more positive and thankful mindset.

Speaker 1: 11:41

Let's delve deeper into the biblical foundations of thankfulness. The Bible is filled with verses that emphasize the importance of gratitude. For example, psalm 100, verse 4, says Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. This verse reminds us that thankfulness should be a fundamental part of our worship and relationship with God. In 1 Chronicles, chapter 16, verse 34, we read Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. This verse highlights the goodness of God and His enduring love, which are both reasons for us to be thankful. In Ephesians, chapter 5, verses verses 19 through 20, paul writes Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God, the Father, for everything, in the name of our Lord, jesus Christ. Here Paul encourages us to incorporate gratitude into our interactions with others and our worship, reminding us to give thanks to God for everything.

Speaker 1: 12:40

In the book of Daniel, we see an example of thankfulness in the life of Daniel himself. Despite facing challenges and threats, daniel consistently gave thanks to God. In Daniel, chapter 6, verse 10, it says Now, when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room 35, where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day, he got down on his knees and prayed, went home to his upstairs room 35, where the windows opened toward Jerusalem Three times a day, he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel's example shows us the importance of maintaining a practice of gratitude even in difficult circumstances.

Speaker 1: 13:13

The book of Psalms is another rich source of verses on gratitude. Psalm 103, verses 1 through 5, says Praise the Lord, my soul, all my inmost being praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. This psalm encourages us to remember and be thankful for all the benefits and blessings we receive from God. Another powerful verse is found in James, chapter 1, verses 2 through 4. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. This passage reminds us to find joy and gratitude even in our trials, as they contribute to our growth and maturity.

Speaker 1: 14:11

In Philippians, chapter 1, verses 3 through 5, paul expresses his thankfulness for the believers. I thank my God every time. I remember you In all my prayers. For all of you I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel, from the first day until now. Paul's gratitude for his fellow believers serves as an example of how we can be thankful for the people God has placed in our lives.

Speaker 1: 14:33

Let's also consider the story of the ten lepers in Luke, chapter 17, verses 11 through 19. Jesus healed all ten lepers, but only one returned to thank him. In verses 17 through 19, jesus asks Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God, except this foreigner? Then he said to him Rise and go. Your faith has made you well. This story emphasizes the importance of returning to give thanks for the blessings we receive. In Colossians, chapter 2, verses 6 through 7, paul writes so then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. This passage encourages us to be deeply rooted in Christ and to let our lives overflow with gratitude.

Speaker 1: 15:22

Another example of gratitude in the Bible is the story of Hannah in 1 Luke day. Samuel, chapter 1. Hannah prayed fervently for a child and when God answered her prayer, she expressed her thankfulness by dedicating her son, samuel, to the Lord. In 1 Samuel, chapter 2, verses 1 through 2, hannah prays my heart rejoices in the Lord to the Lord. In 1 Samuel, chapter 2, verses 1 through 2, hannah prays, my heart rejoices in the Lord. In the Lord, my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides you. There is no rock like our God. Hannah's story reminds us to express our gratitude to God for answered prayers and blessings.

Speaker 1: 15:58

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently express our gratitude to God for answered prayers and blessings. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently expresses his gratitude to God and to others. In Romans 1.8,. Paul writes First, I thank my God, through Jesus Christ, for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. Paul's example shows us the importance of being thankful for the faith and support of others in our spiritual journey. In Colossians, chapter 3, verse 15, paul writes Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you will call to peace and be thankful. This verse emphasizes the connection between peace and thankfulness, reminding us to let Christ's peace rule in our hearts and to cultivate gratitude.

Speaker 1: 16:38

Gratitude is also a recurring theme in the book of Revelation. In Revelation, chapter 11, verse 17, we read we give thanks to you, lord, god Almighty, the one who is and who was because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. This verse highlights the eternal nature of our thankfulness as we give thanks to God for his sovereignty and power. In Hebrews, chapter 12, verse 28, it says Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably, with reverence and awe. This verse encourages us to be thankful for the unshakable kingdom we are receiving and to worship God with reverence and awe. Psalm 9, verse 1, states I will give thanks to you, lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. This verse highlights the importance of wholehearted thankfulness and sharing the wonderful deeds of the Lord with others.

Speaker 1: 17:30

Psalm 118, verse 24, says the Lord has done it this very day. Let us rejoice today and be glad. This verse encourages us to rejoice and be glad for what the Lord has done each day. In 1 Thessalonians, chapter 5, verses 16 through 18, it says this passage reminds us to rejoice, pray and give thanks in all circumstances as part of God's will for us. In Psalm 136, verse 1, we read Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. This verse emphasizes God's enduring love as a reason for our thankfulness. Psalm 95, continually in verses 1 through 3, says Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation, let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song, for the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. This passage highlights the importance of expressing our gratitude through worship and song.

Speaker 1: 18:34

In 2 Corinthians 9, verse 15, paul writes Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. This verse reminds us to be thankful for the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Colossians 4, verse 2, says Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. This verse encourages us to combine prayer with thankfulness, staying vigilant in our gratitude. In 1 Timothy 4, verses 4 through 5, it says For everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God in prayer. This passage reminds us to receive all of God's creation with thankfulness and prayer. Psalm 50, verse 14, says this verse emphasizes the importance of offering our thanks to God as a form of worship. In Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 15, it says Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. This verse highlights the importance of continually offering our thanks and praise to God through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on these biblical examples and teachings, it's clear that gratitude is a vital aspect of our faith and spiritual practice. By cultivating a thankful heart, we draw closer to God, strengthen our relationships with others and experience greater peace and contentment.

Speaker 1: 19:58

Let's also discuss some historical examples of gratitude. Throughout history, many Christian figures have emphasized the importance of thankfulness. For instance, saint Augustine, one of the early church fathers, wrote extensively about gratitude. He said he who is not grateful for the things which he hath received is worthy neither of them, nor of those things which he asketh. In more recent history, corrie Ten Boom, a survivor of the Holocaust, shared powerful stories of gratitude even in the darkest times. In her book the Hiding Place, she recounts how she and her sister Betsy gave thanks for the fleas in their concentration camp barracks, because the fleas kept the guards away, allowing them to hold Bible studies. Thankfulness has also been a theme in the writings of CS Lewis. In mere Christianity, lewis wrote we ought to give thanks for all fortune. If it is good because it is good, if bad because it works in us, patience, humility, contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country. These historical examples remind us that gratitude is not a new concept. It has been a cornerstone of Christian practice and teaching for centuries. By following the example of these faithful believers, we can cultivate a deeper sense of thankfulness in our own lives.

Speaker 1: 21:09

Let's also consider the impact of thankfulness on our daily routines. Starting your day with a gratitude ritual, such as journaling or prayer, can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. Taking moments throughout the day to pause and reflect on what you are thankful for can help you stay grounded and focused on the positive aspects of your life. Ending your day with a thankfulness reflection can help you sleep better and wake up with a more positive mindset. Gratitude can also transform our relationships. By expressing appreciation to those around us, we strengthen our bonds and build a more supportive and positive community, whether it's through words, actions or gestures and recognizing their contributions can foster a more positive and productive work environment. Gratitude can also help us stay motivated and focused on our goals, as we recognize and appreciate the progress we have made and the support we have received.

Speaker 1: 22:11

Another practice is to incorporate thankfulness into your prayer life. As you pray, take time to thank God for his blessings and for His presence in your life. This not only honors God, but also helps you stay mindful of His goodness. Philippians, chapter 4, verse 6, says Expressing gratitude to others is another powerful way to cultivate a thankful heart. Take time to thank the people in your life who have made a positive impact on you. This could be through a heartfelt note, a kind word or a thoughtful gesture. By expressing your thankfulness, you not only strengthen your relationships, but also reinforce your own feelings of gratitude.

Speaker 1: 22:55

Incorporating thankfulness into your daily routine can also be beneficial. This might involve taking moments throughout the day to pause and reflect on what you are thankful for Gratitude. Incorporating thankfulness into your daily routine can also be beneficial. This might involve taking moments throughout the day to pause and reflect on what you are thankful for. You might do this during your morning routine, while you're having lunch or before you go to bed. These small moments of reflection can help keep gratitude at the forefront of your mind. Gratitude can also be practiced through mindfulness and meditation. Taking time to meditate on the things you are grateful for can help you cultivate a deeper sense of thankfulness. This might involve sitting quietly and reflecting on your blessings, or it might involve a more structured meditation practice focused on gratitude.

Speaker 1: 23:32

Another way to cultivate gratitude is through acts of service. By giving to others and serving those in need, you can foster a sense of gratitude in your own heart. Jesus taught us in Acts, chapter 20, verse 35, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Serving others not only blesses them, but also helps you recognize and appreciate the blessings in your own life. It's also important to practice gratitude in the face of challenges and adversity. When you encounter difficult times, take time to reflect on what you can be thankful for in the midst of those challenges. This might involve finding the lessons learned, appreciating the support of loved ones, or recognizing the strength and resilience gained through the experience. By focusing on these positives, you can navigate challenges with a more hopeful and resilient mindset. In addition to these practices, it's important to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your everyday interactions. This might involve expressing appreciation to those around you, looking for the positives in everyday situations and making a conscious effort to focus on the good in your life. By cultivating this attitude, you can create a more positive and thankful mindset.

Speaker 1: 24:37

Let's also explore the role of thankfulness in fostering community and belonging. When we express gratitude to others, we strengthen our relationships and build trust. This can lead to more meaningful and supportive interactions. Gratitude fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for our well-being. For example, in the early Christian community described in the book of Acts, thankfulness played a significant role in fostering unity and support among believers. Acts, chapter 2, verses 46 through 47, says Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. This passage highlights the importance of gratitude and joyful fellowship in building a strong and supportive community. Another example can be found in Paul's letters to the early churches. In many of his letters, paul expresses his gratitude for the believers and their faith. For instance, in 1 Corinthians, chapter 1, verses 4 through 5, paul writes I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus, for in him you have been enriched in every way, with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge. Paul's gratitude for the believers serves as an example of how expressing thankfulness can strengthen and encourage others.

Speaker 1: 25:58

Gratitude can also play a significant role in our professional lives. Expressing appreciation for colleagues and recognizing their contributions can foster a more positive and productive work environment. Gratitude can also help us stay motivated and focused on our goals as we recognize and appreciate the progress we have made and the support we have received. In addition, practicing gratitude can help us navigate the challenges and pressures of the workplace. When we focus on the positives and express appreciation for the support and opportunities we have, we can maintain a more positive and resilient mindset. This can help us cope with stress and stay motivated in the face of challenges.

Speaker 1: 26:36

Let's also consider the impact of gratitude on our physical health, as mentioned earlier. Studies have shown that grateful people tend to have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure and fewer aches and pains. They also tend to take better care of their health, exercising more and attending regular checkups. This connection between thankfulness and physical health underscores the holistic benefits of cultivating a thankful heart. Thankfulness and physical health underscores the holistic benefits of cultivating a thankful heart. One study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences found that grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people. They are also more likely to take care of their health, exercise more often and attend regular medical checkups. This suggests that gratitude not only improves our mental and emotional well-being, but also contributes to better physical health.

Speaker 1: 27:23

Gratitude can also play a significant role in our spiritual growth. When we cultivate a thankful heart, we draw closer to God and deepen our relationship with Him. We recognize His presence and provision in our lives and we become more aware of His blessings. This awareness can lead to a greater sense of peace and contentment. The practice of gratitude can also enhance our worship. When we come before God with a heart full of thanks, our worship becomes more genuine and heartfelt. We acknowledge His goodness and grace and we express our love and devotion to Him. This can lead to a more profound and meaningful worship experience.

Speaker 1: 27:58

In Psalm 95, verses 1-3, it says Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation, let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song, for the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. This passage highlights the importance of expressing our gratitude through worship and song. In Hebrews, chapter 12, verse 28, it says Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably, with reverence and awe. This verse encourages us to be thankful for the unshakable kingdom we are receiving and to worship God with reverence and awe. As we reflect on these biblical examples and teachings, it's clear that gratitude is a vital aspect of our faith and spiritual practice. By cultivating a thankful heart, we draw closer to God, strengthen our relationships with others and experience greater peace and contentment.

Speaker 1: 28:54

As we wrap up today's episode, I encourage you to start your own gratitude practice, whether it's journaling, praying or simply taking a moment to reflect each day. Find a method that works for you and make it a part of your routine. Remember, gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform your mindset and your life. Let's close with a prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for the countless blessings you have poured into our lives. Help us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in all circumstances, recognizing your hand in every good thing. Teach us to be thankful not only in the joyful moments, but also in the challenging ones, trusting that you are always with us. May our hearts overflow with gratitude, reflecting your love and grace to those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Thank you for joining me today on the Crossroads Collective Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and leave a review, stay grateful and stay blessed until next time. This is JM signing off.