Choosing our Way Forward

Hey friends, thinking aloud and thought I’d share…Do you know how a person goes about getting a new word accepted into our common language? Because I’ve coined one recently that sums up everything I believe about the power of gratitude. And because every time I use it Siri autocorrects me, my email composer redlines it, and Word questions my spelling. I’m done with their micro-management. I think “gravot” is a perfectly good word. I’ll tell you about it in Marian Webster style and we’ll see if it gets picked up.

Gravot: grav-ot 1) the action of pivoting towards gratitude so you can see a situation differently.

I’ve been practicing the principle of gravoting for a long time. (I said practicing. I didn’t say I’ve mastered it!) It was only recently however that I began smashing the words gratitude and pivot together to define the concept. The idea came out of my love for the game of basketball. I’ve played it. I’ve coached it. And I still enjoy watching it.  The general public understands that to pivot simply means to turn in a different direction. But allow me to tell you what pivot means to a basketball player and why the skill is crucial to his or her game.

In the game of basketball, a stationary player in possession of the ball must keep a “pivot foot” in contact with the floor at all times. The player can turn in any direction as long as the pivot foot isn’t lifted. Otherwise the player will be charged with “walking” or “traveling”. This violation of the rules is a call made by the referee and results in the ball being given to the opposing team.  While pivoting is a fundamental skill taught to beginners, mature players know it remains crucial to their success at every level of competition.

Why? Because a pivot allows a player to look beyond the situation to find the solution. Pivoting allows a player to escape the pressure of a defensive player by increasing their vision of the court. A pivot is full of potential! It can expose the player holding the ball to an open teammate. It can create a shot at the goal, and it can reveal a path to the basket. A good pivot can even move the ballplayer from a defensive position to an offensive one.

Let’s connect the dots.

Pivoting towards gratitude is a learned skill that yields corresponding rewards in the daily lives of those who learn to gravot and make it a consistent part of their “game.” Turning our eyes to Jesus and giving thanks in the face of difficulty helps us handle what’s coming our way. I Thessalonians 5:18 reads, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice that we’re not told to give thanks for everything, but in everything. There’s a world of difference between the two! 

When we pivot towards gratitude our situation may not always change, but our mindset most definitely will. Pivoting towards gratitude can help us move away from a victim mentality and that alone can help us see the way forward. As powerful as it is to learn to pivot towards gratitude, we have to remember that it is a choice every single time. No one can make it for us, but the more opportunities we seize to pivot towards gratitude the more natural it becomes. Color me grateful.

Take care friends…and practice your gravot!

Hugs,
Shellie

P.S. Can you hit reply and give me some feedback? I’m toying with an idea. I could stay in touch more frequently if I sent out shorter pieces like this one, and possibly individual recipes and stories, as they happen, rather than waiting until I can compile a full length newsletter. Do you like that idea? And if you have the time, why or why not? THANKS!   

The young man in the photo is my grandson, Grant. He fractured his foot but it can’t keep him from his (our) favorite game.