Are we thankful or thankless?

 Are we thankful people? 

Many of us would automatically say, "Yes!"  But here is the challenge - when life is 'good', it is not difficult to be thankful.  However, when we are in the trials of everyday life, or a traumatic event, suddenly, being thankful is not so easy, and we can become thankless.

People do not like going through trials, however, often our character, disposition, and attitude are tested and refined through such experiences.

The definition of 'thankful' - happy or grateful because of something.

The definition of 'thankless' - unlikely to be appreciated.

How do we remain thankful instead of being thankless, in challenging times?  

Some ideas:

• Pray - prayer is powerful,
• step back and adjust expectations,
• celebrate tiny steps forward,
• choose to smile when you see a sunrise or sunset,
• hold onto joy (not happiness),
• cling to the Lord - call on Him, communicate with Him, sing to Him, worship Him,
• seek out grateful people and be around them,
• write down three things you are grateful for each day,
• read Scripture.

1 Corinthians 1:4-6 provides insight into where Paul expresses his gratitude and thankfulness for the Corinthian believers, who have been enriched by God’s grace and gifts in Christ. 

When we pray for people, regardless of their situation, 1 Corinthians 1:4-6 is a passage that you can include to show thankfulness to God for those in your life, especially our Christian brothers and sisters.

Thankfulness is a choice.  We can choose to be thankful or thankless. Regardless of the circumstances each of us might currently be undergoing, we still have a choice.

If we are to make a change, then being thankful regardless of circumstances, is a conscious decision.  I am not saying that what we go through is not real; it's often very painful and difficult.  However, the challenge for us is to check our attitudes and choose to not become offended or bitter.  If you are around a thankless person, there is bitterness and offense.   When you are around a person, who is undergoing trials, yet chooses to be thankful, you are refreshed and have joy, hope, and peace. 

The challenge today:   are you a thankful OR a thankless person?

How might you show you are thankful today?

Taking a journey

Recently we travelled to a small mining town approximately 88 km east of Charters Towers.  Ravenswood is a historic town that was established in the late 1800s when gold was discovered.

Although you may think there is not much to see, we found that even two days didn't provide enough time to discover and explore.

Setting out on this adventure meant driving hours from the cool tropical area of Yungaburra, down the east coast, and then back inland. However, once we arrived at the Railway Hotel in Ravenswood, we were greeted and provided wonderful accommodation, amazing food, and locals who love to have a yarn...or two!

We began exploring the town and finding all sorts of 'treasures', which we took photos of because it's so important to NOT take things away from the town. There are chimneys, old machinery, and treasures that locals have collected and now display.  If you enjoy looking at historical items and reading about how the mines operated and the stories of people who lived there, you will find a treasure trove of information and items .

We enjoyed coffee at one of the local businesses where the building had many items on display and beautifully painted lofty ceilings. Walking through the buildings around the town, the sense of pride that the original builders is emphasized.

However, the highlight of the trip was the local people.  They are so friendly, providing local knowledge and history, and happy to stop and chat. Calling into the Post Office and general store to have ice cream or visiting the local courthouse museum area, and Catholic Church building or Thorps building provide insight into the history of the area.

This small but memorable town should not be underestimated.  It is worth the visit. Perhaps visiting in the cooler months might be a consideration, but I encourage you to visit the smaller out-of-the-way towns, you will find there is so much to explore and take the time to chat with the locals, they are friendly and welcoming, and you learn so much more than what's in the travel brochures and websites.

Take the first step of the journey, especially in your own backyard, and set out on an adventure!

Self-Management

How often in an advertisement or position guideline do we read, 'self-management' or 'self-organized'?

Whether you are seeking paid or volunteer roles, there are usually position descriptions and guidelines produced so people can read and understand what the position requires and the desired outcomes.

So firstly, let's address what is self-mangement?

A dictionary definition of management is "the act or manner of managing; handling, direction, or control."

So self-management is basically your ability to manage, handle, or control your own work and be productive without relying completely on others to achieve a desired outcome. 

There are those who dislike the term self-management because they are accountable for their actions, and decisions and ensuring their workflow is productive. Work is just a source of income, and little enthusiasm to upskill and grow in their role is shown.

Personally, I enjoy self-managing my day and workflow.  Knowing that people can rely on me to provide communication, information, and research, ensuring deadlines and outcomes are achieved in a timely manner, is very fulfilling. Self-management requires a person to be highly organized, and dependable and monitor themselves, and their team if they have one, to ensure high-quality productivity and outcomes.

Taking time to prepare and consider each job undertaken is important.  Setting goals such as timeframes for research, approvals, communication dissemination,  scheduling, and deadlines may seem paralyzing for some, however, I have found it exciting and a great routine to include in your daily activities.

Self-management is not just for those in paid or volunteer roles.  This can be incorporated into daily life.  We all self-manage at some level.  How?

• arranging medical, dental, hairdresser, and mechanical appointments.
• arranging meetings with educators, and financial and legal representatives.
• researching appliances, diets, medical aids, and educational institutions.
• budgeting and payment of household accounts.
• purchasing groceries, ensuring your vehicle has fuel, and regular maintenance.
• Checking and updating the family calendar so that everyone is where they need to be at any given date/time.

Celebrate successes!  It's important to affirm a job well done.  It might be as simple as a 'thank you' to a team member, or an encouraging email.  You might just want to stop and thank the Lord for the successful outcome.  It may seem minor, but we do not celebrate our successes enough.  Let's focus on the positive outcomes instead of the negative experiences.

How do you self-manage?

Birthdays

How do you feel about birthdays?

It's an interesting topic to observe.  Throughout much of my life, I have worked on my birthday, either in a paid role or a not-for-profit role.  It's been rare that I have been 'off work' on my birthday.  

Last year was an exception and one I really enjoyed. My birthday (the actual day) was day one of a trip to Cape York, traveling along with friends as we explored the remote stretches of Far North Queensland! I had requested and been granted leave for this trip.

However, in all my years of work, both paid and unpaid, I have never taken the day off, just because it is my birthday.  Through the years, I have observed that many people call in 'sick' or just don't turn up to work, because they are celebrating their birthday. Some I have spoken with say, it's their right.  Now, I understand that for some people, their birthday is highly valued, but what they may fail to understand, is that not coming to fulfill your employment contract, simply because you want to celebrate, puts strain on the employer and your fellow co-workers.

So how might you celebrate your special day of birth and still be considerate of others?

• communicate with your employer. If you want the day off work, negotiate the time through annual leave or a rostered day off.
• negotiate time off during the day if you are having lunch with family or friends.
• plan time to celebrate after work with family and/or friends.

What I have written may cause some readers to 'get their backs up'!

Just not turning up to work, creates concern and potential resentment.  Birthdays are important, however, so are fulfilling your commitments to your workplace (whether paid or voluntary) and clients.

Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (NIV)

Celebrating our birthday by serving others - now that is something to think about.