By Jed Brewer, CEO of Study Groups
“It’s not joy that makes us grateful; it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.”
My friend shared those words one night in a small group we were part of. She was reflecting on painful seasons in her life that she felt were unfair. The quote, she said, offered her perspective when it seemed like the world was collapsing around her.
Little did she know, I was walking through my own valley. I was in the middle of a divorce, with uncertain outcomes regarding custody. I was terrified.
My friend’s words became exactly what I needed.
So often, we – or at least I – wait for good times to feel joyful. But the heart of that quote reminds us that gratitude – not circumstance – is what opens the door for true joy. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s already present.
We each find ourselves in different seasons. Some are experiencing record times, yet still may be tempted to chase “more,” which can quietly dull our joy. Others are living steady, ordinary days. Progress is being made but too easily joy can fade in the routine. And some are enduring significant hardship, where pain and fear threaten to crowd out every bit of light.
I don’t want to minimize any of these experiences. Each season holds its own lessons. But my hope is that, in every season, we can pause long enough to notice the many things worth being grateful for. It’s here that joy begins to grow.
As I look toward Thanksgiving, here are a few of the many things I am grateful for:
- You – and I mean that authentically. Thank you for being a part of our Study Groups community.
- My children – they are healthy, intelligent, and well mannered
- My Study Groups colleagues – they are a team of servant-hearted individuals who walk in integrity
- My friends – especially those who speak truth to me about who they know me to be
- Our 40 years at Study Groups creating permanent value and lasting friendships for our members – it is a true honor to be a part of our mission and participate in the impact our organization has made on so many
- Our country – where justice, while still imperfect, tends to prevail over time
- And, our God – who loves us fiercely, just as we are
What about you? What are you grateful for? I would love to hear. May your gratitude open the door to true joy this season.
