Two Words That Can Change Everything

On the inside of my upper left arm, I have a tattoo. The tattoo is Joel 2:25 (you will have to look it up 😃), and above the verse is this symbol that represents that Susanne and I are in our second marriage, to the same, but two different people.

It is not only a reminder to me of how fortunate I am, but also how good and gracious God is to me.

From time to time, I will get asked about the meaning of the symbol, and each time I reply with the same answer above. Most who ask nod and we continue on, but every so often I will get asked, "So what is so different?" I always enjoy that questions because it gives me an opportunity to tell them what is different and how God has worked in our lives.

One Small But Big Change

Of all the things that are different in our marriage, there are a few key things that stick out as game changers, and one of those has been a thankful spirit. As much as I hate to admit it, in our first marriage, I took much of what I had and much of what Susanne did for granted.

I was not truly thankful for all the many blessings I had, starting with her, and while I may have spoken words of gratitude to her, my heart was not behind it, so as is always the case when one's heart is not in it, the words fell flat.

This is quite different in our second marriage. One of the things we are committed to in our marriage is to speak words of thankfulness to each other and to let the other know how grateful we are for the things they do, no matter how small they may be. This is not done out of obligation; if it were, it would be meaningless. This is our recognition of each other that we see them and are thankful for how we seek to serve each other.

They Can't Coexist

One of the things I have realized since tuning my heart to one of gratitude is that when you lead with a thankful heart, it leaves little room for pride.

When someone does something for me and I thank them, that is my recognition that it was nothing I did on my own and that I am receiving their act of kindness, no matter how big or small. A prideful heart is unable to humble itself to truly receive and therefore cannot live in a place of thanksgiving. Perhaps this is why God warned Israel in Deuteronomy 8 when he said the following:

"When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty, you do not forget the Lord and disobey His commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today.

Shortly thereafter, God, through Moses, tells Israel that in all of their abundance, not to become proud. Why? Because pride stifles thankfulness.

If you are struggling today with enjoying life, in your marriage, or in any relationship, I encourage you to adopt a spirit of thanksgiving. Let those around you know you are thankful for all that they do, no matter how small. It will change your heart, and based on experience, I believe it will change theirs as well.

It is this reason why I believe God tells us, "Give thanks in everything; for this is God's will in Christ Jesus."

On the Journey With You,

Carlos

This edition was first published in The Life Design Newsletter on LinkedIn.