This is a trustworthy statement that deserves full acceptance

Having a thankful heart, regardless of the circumstances of our lives, is an attitude that really can determine how far you can go in this life. Both in the eyes of our Creator and in the eyes of mankind.

Circumstances shouldn't dictate our attitudes.

Rather, our attitudes should come from a place of quiet resolve from deep within ourselves. A place that has been trained, forged if you will, to find things to be grateful for.

Not as a way to deceive ourselves or to be deluded to the harsh realities around us, but as an act of grateful worship to the One who made us.

If we have the mindset to give thanks in all circumstances, we will begin to see a greater purpose and meaning in our lives, even when things don't look so good from our perspectives.

As in most things, perspective is the key. One man's junk is another man's treasure. One's half-empty cup is a cup half-full for another.

We can have this Thankful Heart perspective because we know that

All things work together for the good of those that love God, and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

My wife, @allforthegood, made a post about a week back that zeroed in on this concept of having a Thankful Heart.

In her post, Simple Secrets to Happiness, her #5 secret was Gratitude. She states the following:

Once you have mastered keeping your complaining in check, you will have room for the wonderful transforming habit of gratitude!

She offers up some scientific evidence for the "altitude" part of the beginning slogan.

Well, scientifically speaking when you are grateful, your brain makes more happy chemicals -- dopamine and serotonin. AND, when you are grateful you actually affect the neuron density in the prefrontal cortex of your brain. Your brain then becomes more efficient in becoming calm and not reactionary, even in the midst of frustrating events.

Everyone has troubles and things that we can complain about.
And it’s so easy to do so! I tell my children all the time, we still have to do those things that we don’t want to do—or are difficult for us—so why not go through it with a happy heart?

God really does know what He is talking about. As a loving Heavenly Father he knows the damaging consequences of having ingratitude in our hearts. Likewise, He knows the positive life-giving results of having Thankful Hearts.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

This is why, as an earthly father, entrusted with the responsibility of shepherding my children's hearts, my wife and I have made having a Thankful Heart a key component to our alliterated family values.

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Psalm 107:1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Thanks for Reading!