Raise a Grateful Rebellion
I attend a 5:30 am exercise class. It’s early. My brain doesn’t technically start working until the class is half over. Most participants don’t speak, and also look like they're waiting for their coffee to kick in. The exercise class trainer doesn’t like to smile. She’s an engineer who does coaching on the side and likes things done a precise way, and she’s quick to reprimand you if you’re not doing something correctly.
Who wants to get up early to a grumpy coach and a quiet class to do burpees, pull-ups, and other torturous exercises? I told my husband. These aren’t my people. His response was, We’re going. Change your attitude.
I hate it when he’s right.
I decided to focus on being more thankful, but I mentally named it my gratitude rebellion. At first, the only member of my rebellion was me, but I was recruiting. I started small by smiling and telling people good morning. When my coach corrected me in my exercises, I thanked her and thanked her again at the end of each class. While working out, I started praying and thanking God for being the air in my lungs, my ability to move, the health of my joints and muscles, for my classmates, and even the instructor.
In a world that expects cynicism, choosing to be grateful and cheerful is a form of rebellion against the despair and anxiety so prevalent today. If we take an offensive tactic with a smile, a thank you, an acknowledgement, or a little show of appreciation, we’ll be blessed along with the receiver. Gratitude creates a positive attitude and endears us to the person who blessed us, preserving them in our memory.
Seeking out things to be thankful for attunes you to delicate details that otherwise might be overlooked. Being grateful also keeps us humble and makes us vulnerable and approachable, because we’re admitting we need something. Giving thanks changes us, others, and our environment. But most of all, gratitude helps us appreciate the goodness of God.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Things to be thankful for are everywhere if we are bold enough to look for them. Unexpected treasures of obscured beauty, tiny victories, and humble helpers are usually hidden in plain sight. All we have to do is take time to notice.
God’s goodness is everywhere.
After a couple of years, the 5:30 workout class now smiles and greets one another. People ask about others’ weekends and what they’re doing for Thanksgiving. We help each other get equipment and put it away. While I can’t take credit for the change of atmosphere, I know my internal gratitude rebellion changed my attitude and helped me enjoy the blessing of my morning workout and the people.
Push back on the cynicism this Thanksgiving. Have an extraordinary gratitude rebellion and give God the praise and glory!