by Larry Julian

The best way to show my gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.
Mother Teresa, plagued with poor health, heart problems, pneumonia and malaria

It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.
Dietrich Bonheoffer, who courageously opposed Nazism and Hitler’s anti-Semitic policies and spent years in prisons and concentration camps until he was executed by hanging

I thank God for my handicaps; for through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God.
Helen Keller, who was deaf, mute and blind.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that (the gifts of God) should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens….to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
Thanksgiving Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln, who led America through its worst moment in history while beset with depression.

Surrounded by poverty, unjustly imprisoned, severely handicapped and facing uncertainty and adversity, yet living joy-filled lives of gratitude. What’s so different about these four individuals? I believe its perspective.

It takes a discerning eye to see God at work in the midst of today’s fast-paced world of deadlines, distractions and distortions. It takes a discerning heart to notice the beautiful in the plain, the appealing in the appalling and the significant in the insignificant, mundane and little things. Mother Theresa, Dietrich Bonheoffer, Helen Keller and Abraham Lincoln understood the value of God in their work and expressed their appreciation through their work. The art of appreciation pays dividends in both your life and the lives of those around you.

The Five Results of Appreciation

1. Appreciation transforms grayness into greatness.

We transform our grayness into greatness through grace and gratitude. When we discern God in our work and express gratitude through our work, we become instruments of God’s grace.

2. Appreciation helps us focus on what we have rather than what we don’t have.

More often than not, we focus on what we don’t have rather than what we do have. Whatever we do, it’s not enough. We pursue but are never satisfied. When we choose to believe that all things are a gift from God, then our families, businesses and circumstances become gifts to be appreciated, cherished and valued. Appreciation provides us with a solid foundation for serving others out of genuine gratitude for what we have.

3. Appreciation increases our worth as leaders and establishes legacies.

Discerning God’s guidance and expressing gratitude isn’t either a “feel good” pleasantry or a “glass half full” platitude. Appreciation is a core leadership principle whose practical application impacts every facet of life. It’s the ability to see God at work and express your sincere thanks in all circumstances. It increases your value as a leader and produces a legacy.

4. Appreciation improves our personal health and wellbeing.

Gratitude and appreciation has another personal and professional benefit – it improves our health and wellbeing. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, is one of the foremost authorities on gratitude. His findings from his Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness (co-investigated by Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami) showed the following:

• Physical health – Grateful people reported fewer physical symptoms and felt better about their lives as a whole.
• Personal goal attainment – Grateful people were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals.
• Well-being – Grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality and optimism and lower levels of depression and stress.

5. Appreciation creates successful workplaces and improves profitability.

An appreciative leader is more spiritually, mentally and physically capable of leading others. Not only does appreciation provide personal benefits to one’s overall wellbeing, it provides a healthier outlook to serve in challenging, uncertain times.

Mother Theresa, Dietrich Bonheoffer, Helen Keller and Abraham Lincoln impacted the world in significant ways. So can you. Think you can’t? Think again. These leaders didn’t consider themselves great saints, ministers, educators or presidents but rather apprentices serving a great God. You don’t need to be great leader to change the world. You do, however, need to change your perspective. Appreciate what God has done for you and around you. When you do, great things will happen.

Larry Julian is a speaker, coach, and author of the bestselling business book, God is My CEO, and God is My Success. His newest book, God is My Coach: A Business Leader’s Guide to Finding Clarity in an Uncertain World guides leaders through critical decisions. Visit www.larryjulian.com to learn more.