During the summer when school is out, the weather is warmer and most of us are making our vacation plans, you’ll probably find that it’s easy to be thankful. When life is good and things are “going our way”, gratitude feels like a natural posture. But what about when things aren’t so rosy?

I want to speak to the Dad who has been out of work for the past 6 months, whose parents’ health is in decline or who is in a difficult season with your spouse or partner. The truth is, it’s hard for us to find things to be thankful for when life is just plain hard. I’ve had countless valleys throughout my life and I know it is not easy to say thank you when you’re in the thick of it. It doesn’t feel natural.

What we forget is that thankfulness isn’t just a feeling. It’s actually a practiced act that we have to cultivate, nurture, and grow. It’s something that we have to purposefully choose to engage in.

“Great,” I hear you say, “Yet another thing I have to think about”. Yes, you do – but here’s the great thing about practicing thankfulness: it is one of…