Thanks for nothing!

There were a few of us waiting at a local business to receive service. Random strangers united by the inconvenience of not being helped immediately or efficiently. 
As the ineptness continued, one customer received service only to find a less than agreeable resolution. Annoyed and agitated, he ended his time there by saying, "THANKS FOR NOTHING!" and walked briskly out the door.

There was a part of me that could relate with his frustration, and sadly, I have been that guy at points in my life. There was another part of me that was frustrated by the way he treated the young adult worker. 
As I thought about the interaction (because I had time to do so while I waited), I was reminded how often I am just like this guy...when something does not go the way I want it to go or think it should go, my response is frustration and ingratitude. Thoughts become whispers, whispers become audible complaints, and complaints become vocalized in a way for all to hear.
Such thoughts and actions should bring about a level of conviction and shame for the self-centeredness I am embracing. 

How can I combat this unthankfulness? How can I practically live out 1 Thessalonians 5:18- (In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.)?
Here is what I committed to in my heart, and I believe it will help me during this month of Thanksgiving.
Prepare yourself...it is mind-blowing.

I am going to make a reminder on my phone for each day of November to pray for something or someone I do not like, that frustrates me, that annoys me, that is not changing, or that is beyond my control. 

"Wow, so proud of one of our pastors learning to do a rudimentary habit like praying about something or someone."
I hear that...I mean, I am going to thank God for it or them. 
I am going to focus on how to be a part of God's desire for it or them. 
I am going to ask the Spirit to peel back the layers of selfishness and deception I have towards it or them.
I am going to intentionally try to engage with it or them.
I am going to ask God to show me what is delightful about it or them.
I am going to ask God to grow His love in my mind for it or them.
I am going to ask the Spirit to show me how He is using it or them in a way I am not able to be used for His glory.
I am going to believe that God has incredible ways to use it or them beyond my frail and fickle understanding.
I am going to believe that it is, or they are, a tool to help uproot my lack of faith in God's goodness. 

Of course, expressing thanks in my prayer time is not new, but emphasizing a renewed and intentional practice towards that which might be a springboard for complaint or to be unthankful seems appropriate "self checkup.". 

How about you? What is your helpful tool, habit, or practice that forces you to reevaluate how you are viewing someone or something?
What do you do each day, throughout the day to help you pray about it and truly find "thanks in all things"?
Share your tip in the comments section if you are reading this on social media.

May God deliver us from a "THANKS FOR NOTHING" attitude towards Him due to what and who He allows into our lives.

Pastor Paul