Gratitude may be our best survival skill

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

It appears our recent down surge of prosperity trends have pushed us into survival mode. Some know how to implement survival mode better than others.

I remember several decades ago driving to work wondering if I had enough gas in my tank to make it home. I was going through a divorce and I wondered how I would make ends meet. So, I just went in to survival skills.

Survival skills are mostly common sense practices you put into place. Establishing a budget was the number one priority. For those who are not budget-minded, that can be tough. Others seem to have a talent for cutting expenses, bargain hunting, and finding creative ways to save.

But if you lack those skills, never fear. You can turn to the supernatural forces most don't usually consider.

When the level of prosperity I was accustomed to had let me down, my high credit score took a dive and I couldn't get a loan. I didn't have enough to pay the bills. And things in my home and transportation mode were breaking down more than ever before. I prayed my way through.

I asked for "More money, please," (a book I'm thinking of writing). And more money came in very fascinating ways. I woke up one morning with the title of a book on my mind. This was strange because I never heard of the book. So I went to the library to search out if this title existed. To my surprise, it was waiting on the shelf for me.

Each day I couldn't wait to find the time to read a few pages. The author appeared to be speaking directly to me, which comforted my troubled soul.

Many solutions were small, practical things I already knew, like don't buy what you can't afford and collect all spare change in a jar, bank or baggie; as it adds up cash it in. I once came up with $60 just by pinching pennies.

I had yard sales, and my friends pitched in by giving me things they no longer wanted and allowed me to keep the profits. I used self-discipline and didn't buy anything extra and welcomed my sister's hand-me-downs. I also continued to give whatever I could.

I cried my way through the shopping aisles of the local store as I passed up items I couldn't afford. I found solace by shopping at dollar stores, just to feel like I could afford to buy something. If I spent two dollars, I felt blessed.

Gratitude became my best friend and skill for survival. It was amazing how that spiritual principle can feed your lacking soul. As I placed it into practice, I received unexpected and unexplained gifts. Some money came from friends or unlikely sources which paid a bill I had no means of paying.

Change took time, but with God's help, a little ingenuity and a lot of gratitude, I was on my way.

The apostle Paul often encouraged believers to give thanks. As we enter the season of thanksgiving, may we focus each day on what we have, and add gratitude to our list of survival skills.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.