The mockingbirds are back. They are amazing. The average mockingbird has around 200 different songs. Most of them they have picked up from different birds (thus their name). Some of their sounds mimic even non-bird sounds. One bird in our neighborhood must have been around someone who is very thankful because he has a part of his song that is a dead-ringer for, “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” It’s an incredible natural reminder to live a grateful life.

Gratitude is a powerful attitude. You can’t be angry if you’re being grateful. You can’t be depressed if you’re being grateful. You can’t be afraid if you’re being grateful. Gratefulness cancels out all negative attitudes. “In everything give thanks,” Paul wrote, “for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) That is a pretty sweeping statement. “In all circumstances give thanks” says another translation.

This is a very simple transaction. There are no qualifiers — no exceptions. Giving thanks in everything doesn’t leave room for blame, shame, guilt, regret, retribution, and a host of other things I can’t even think of right now. In fact, why don’t you write me and let me know what negative attitude or action giving thanks prevented for you and how it changed your perspective.

I am well-steeped in in an attitude of scarcity — walking around with a mindset that there is never enough. Now you simply can’t do that and be thankful at the same time. It just doesn’t match up to the knowledge that the riches and resources of God are at our disposal by faith.

So redirect your thoughts. Listen for the “Thank you” bird. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” And even if you don’t feel it … mock it. That’s what the “Thank you” bird does!