Look at All Your Blessings Through Eyes of Wonder

Marriage and family are two gifts God has graciously granted to me—even though I didn’t have the optimism or good sense to pray for them. Perhaps that’s why I am now so grateful for the privilege of being a wife and mother. Maybe that’s why I am awestruck with every announcement of another grandchild on the way.

G.K. Chesterton might agree, for in his estimation, “Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

Wonder asks,
“Why is God so generous with me?”
“How could this glorious thing have been given on top of so many other blessings?”

The practice of wonder is a gateway to some very profitable wondering. Sadly, we are prone to wondering “up,” comparing our own lot with people who have “more”—more possessions, more influence, more opportunity. In 21st-century North America, we’ve forgotten how to wonder “down.” Here’s the difference:

Wondering up asks, “Why doesn’t my dishwasher have Bluetooth capability like hers?
Wondering down asks, “Why do I get to have hot water with the turn of a faucet when so many do not?”

Wondering up leads to discontentment.
Wondering down leads to gratitude.

“Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” G.K. Chesterton

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If you’re finding your Thanksgiving is falling a little flat this year, why not spend some time in quiet wonder over all the little gifts that lie at the foundation of your life: the people, the comforts, the taken-for-granted blessings that never cross your mind but would rock your world if they ceased to be. Looking at our blessings through eyes of wonder doubles our happiness and leads to gratitude.

“Gratitude Is Happiness Doubled by Wonder”

Wishing you a blessed and wonder-ful Thanksgiving!

Holding you in the light,

If your Thanksgiving is falling flat spend time in quiet wonder over gifts that lie at the foundation of your life: people, comforts, taken-for-granted blessings that never cross your mind but would rock your world if they ceased to be

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