Build your shield of gratitude

She's known as "hot cop" by her brothers in blue. Fishers Police Officer Leslie Hulse has a smile that will light up any room. She's currently in the fight of her life in her third round with cancer. She is one of the most grateful, joyful people I know. Recently she told me, "One thing I've learned to do in the last year is to recognize the small blessings."

I know it sounds cliché, but learn from Leslie. Make it a regular habit to "count your blessings." This is the process of turning our "have to's" into "get to's." 

For example, there are people who are saying today, "If only I could walk again." "If only I could go to work today." "If only I could talk with my mom or dad."

• Think about what you do have, instead of what you don't have.
• Think about what's right with your life, instead of what is wrong.
• Think about what is beautiful, instead of what is ugly.
• Think about what is true, instead of dwelling on gossip.
• Think about what you get to do today, instead of what you have to do.
• Think about how big God is, instead of how big your problem is.

Protect those first few minutes of your day. They will determine what your day will be like. Go offline. Resist the urge to go to your inbox or the day's headlines. Keep the TV off.  Seek out some quiet. Maybe take a walk to get your heartrate up and the blood flowing.

Then out loud, begin to declare what you are thankful for. What do you "get" to do today? Let the words that come out of your mouth today be grateful, faith-filled words. 

If you're continually thinking about the goodness of God, you will train yourself overtime not to worry and complain. You will train yourself to overcome being down and discouraged. You're going to become consistent, not up one day and down the next...and people are going to notice.

Leslie writes encouraging notes to herself and sticks them in places where she is sure to see them often.

"Spend more time considering God's promises and less time looking at my circumstances."

Do whatever you have to do to build your shield of gratitude. It's worth it!

"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Philippians 4:6-7 (Message)