It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”
― David Steindl-Rast

Gratitude is an attitude that awakens us to the blessings around us. Being thankful is a conscious decision to be grateful for what the Lord gives us and how He helps us every day. Even a single thought of gratitude toward the Lord for His help begins to change our hearts. It also changes our thoughts and thought patterns until, over time, our tendency is to be happy and satisfied with our lives. Being thankful becomes a natural and regular expression. Thankfulness begets more thankfulness and opens up the flow of giving into our lives. We begin to see God working on our behalf in our daily life. At this point, we are thankful for the little things and every aspect of our lives, including the challenges that we sometimes face. And this ultimately leads us to contentment.