Gratitude Kicks Depression's Butt!

JUST finished putting all the Christmas stuff away. When I first put it away, I really just moved it from the main living space of the house, out to the sun room. I didn't actually put any of the decorations back in the storage bins. So, It's all been piled up out there since the first of the year.

But the past couple of sunny days has motivated me to get the stuff cleared out so I can start sitting out there more. That's what it's there for right? To enjoy!

I've been feeling really depressed lately and I wonder if a lot of has to do with the weather? It's been so gloomy! Normally I enjoy gloomy days (weird I know), but for some reason, it's just been affecting me negatively the past few months. So I thought to myself, "You have a sun room that makes you happy when you're out there, so get out and use it!" Then it sort of hit me. That blaming the weather, or some sort of external force wasn't the answer at all. Usually, the answers to how we're feeling can be found in our own hearts. I realized that I was being complacent in showing gratitude for my home and for my blessings.

I sort of chastised myself for not being more thankful. I've always wanted a sun room or would have even settled for a screened in porch. And now, I actually have a beautiful one! But I hardly ever go out there. I asked God to forgive me for not being more grateful and told him how happy that sun room made me and thanked Him for it. He gave it to me as a very special gift and I had forgotten what that meant to me.

I must say that I have been guilty of taking my beautiful home for granted quite a bit. God has blessed me with so many luxuries that I don't know where to start to thank Him! So many things that I prayed specifically for, or secretly wished for in my heart, I NOW HAVE! But too often, my home is neglected, which doesn't really reflect that I'm thankful for it. I guess my actions speak more to me feeling entitled to it, so I don't take care of it the way I should.



I've heard it said that it's hard to be depressed when you have a heart full of gratitude. So, that's how I'm going to choose to look at the week. Immensely grateful for my messy house that I have to privilege to take care of! And even now, I feel the sadness and gloominess lifting. Praising God and thanking Him for His blessings really does lift your spirits!

Maybe I can start the day out in my beautiful sun room, that gets the lovely morning sun, singing praises to God! I can't think of anything nicer actually....

"...the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness!" Isaiah 61:3