WEEKLY WISDOM - GRATITUDE

Gratitude: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

How often have you taken the time to truly reflect on where you are in life and as a leader? Many times, you may view your circumstances or issues from a pessimistic perspective. Several questions continue to run themselves through your mind; why am I not making more money, why can’t I seem to get ahead, why is my job not fulfilling, why am I not living my purpose and passion, why does it seem that others are much better off than me, and the list goes on and on. I found myself also asking many of these questions and more as life and career continued to unfold.

Here's what I discovered. The lens that I used to examine my life was warped. I changed the secular lens and put on the spiritual lens so my questions and perspectives changed. These were the questions that I was asking now. How is God growing me in this situation? How is He using this challenge for me to gain wisdom? How do I develop the consistency and discipline to improve my situation? Once I started viewing life and leadership through this lens, then the gratefulness kicked in! It led me to several scriptures where I am reminded to be appreciative that God is keeping me and allowing me to experience His grace.

Joseph is a prime example of someone who exercised his gratefulness to God despite his circumstances and was exalted to positions of influence and power as well as a blessed family. As he matured, he was able to lead well even in the face of adversity and still be grateful for his journey.

Despite being sold into slavery by his family, falsely accused of rape, living in prison for approximately 10 years, and forgotten while in prison, there was a commitment and gratefulness to God. In each of these situations, he remained steadfast because of His unwavering confidence in God. All of Genesis Chapters 37-50 provides a comprehensive view of Joseph’s life and leadership story.

Here are a few “ians” about being grateful in life and leadership:

2 Corinthians 9:11- You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Ephesians 5:20- giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Philippians 4:6­–7- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:6–7- Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18- Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In many of your challenging life and leadership instances, it is the small victories, words of affirmation, or gestures that affirm your leadership and influence in life. Hopefully by now your head and heart has reminded you of your different experiences that has propelled you to where you are today. That is where gratitude plays a significant role in your life. All those experiences have been instrumental in your growth and development as a leader. With gratitude comes a humbleness to know that you have been blessed to be the leader you are and have the influence you do. Knowing where those blessings come from makes all the difference in your life. Being grateful influences your posture as a leader and opens you up to more growth and development in your career and life.

Here are some ways you can practice gratitude.

1.       Pray to God just giving thanks for all He has done for you in your life and career. Call out specific instances that you can thank Him for.

2.       Call at least 3 people within the week and share with them how they have positively impacted your life.

3.       Keep a log of your blessings each day by writing one blessing you received as it relates to your leadership.

(EQUIPPING)

Exercise Your Power this week 

 1.  For the next seven days make a list of things you are grateful for.

2. Have a conversation with your family members and tell them why you are grateful for them.

 3.  Do something for your team or colleagues this week to let them know you are grateful for them. And yes, pay for it yourself and not on the company.