Can You Be Grateful for What You Have Not Got?

The title of this lesson can be a real sticking point for a lot of people.

“Can You Be Thankful for What You Have Not Got?”

Before we address that, let's assume that you presently have a goal or vision for yourself that doesn't presently exist. For Instance...

How can you be thankful for that great relationship, the extra $1000.00 in the bank or for weighing in at your target weight if your experience is anything but those things?

When someone pays you a compliment, buys you a gift or simply holds a door open for you – your response is 'Thank You'. It's an immediate response to an act of generosity. Everyone understands this.

Now think of a time you confided your relationship woes to a friend, he/she doesn't understand me, we just aren't connecting, he/she never listens, I don't know how to get his/her attention, etc., etc.

You have not only confided your woes to a friend but you have affirmed to the Universe (God) that your relationship is miserable.

Now what happens?

You get more of what you affirm for yourself.

Once you ask God for help (with anything) you must stop focusing on any negative aspect of the situation.

Connect to your Infinite Source of Power – the Creative Juices of the Universe then ASK for what you desire and prepare to RECEIVE by relating yourself to Your Source (God) with deep and profound gratitude.

So how can you be grateful for something you have not got?

EXAMPLE:

Let's say you were in between jobs and before you are able to start the new job you are short on funds and unable to pay your heating bill. It's the middle of winter and you've received a notice that your heat will be turned off if full payment isn't received in 3 days time.

First you may panic and sling a few choice expletives around the room. Next, you would take action and call a friend or relative that you could beg or borrow enough money from in order to pay your heating bill.

For the sake of this lesson, let's say that your friend says, “Sure, I'll bring you a check the day after tomorrow.” You gush with gratitude, promise to pay your friend back and breathe a sigh of relief.

Then you forget about that problem because it has been solved.

When you hang up the phone with your friend you are filled with gratitude for the assistance they have offered, correct?

However, you do not have that money in your possession. Yet you are already grateful for it.
It is coming, but you have not got it.

This is exactly the way you need to establish your relationship with Your Infinite Source of Power. Your relationship with God (Universal Intelligence, etc..) is exactly the same.

Once you ASK for help you should gush with gratitude, for what you have requested is most definitely on it's way. Then stop worrying about what you have not got.

I'm sure you are familiar with the Law of Cause and Effect. For every Action there is always and equal and opposite ReAction. Therefore, your grateful outreaching to God (Your Source) creates an instantaneous reaction from God (Your Source) to YOU.

You are now responsible for receiving that which you have requested. Do not limit the manner in which it is to be delivered. Let the Universe handle those details.

That doesn't mean you should just sit on the couch watching TV and wait for those extra pounds to just melt away in between the sofa cushions. There's a little bit of creative teamwork involved here.

EXERCISE:

Tonight, before you go to bed, list as many things as you can think of that you are grateful for.
Write anything and everything that you are happy with today in your life or have ever been grateful for.

Write this sentence at the top of your page:
I AM SO HAPPY AND GRATEFUL...

for chocolate ice cream
how much my dog loves me
for comedy
to have a movie date with my husband
for the guidance and perseverance to complete this course
etc., ect., You get the picture.

Keep writing until you can't think of even one more thing – then go to sleep. Do not watch the news or read anything negative from this point on. You are to go to sleep with a grateful heart.

Gratitude keeps you in close touch with your divine Source of Power. The closer you are to God the Source, the more you will receive the more you will be grateful, the more you will have to give.
-edited from the E-Course created by Schelli Whitehouse,
7-Weeks to Living The Certain Way