I have found that gratitude in all things takes practice. It is a purposeful mind set.
Often a change.
And we don’t like change, do we?
Words flow when the sun is shining and the bank account full.
Gratitude.
Words flow when life feels in balance and manageable.
“I praise you Lord, for my job, for a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in.”
It’s like soft butter being spread.
Easy.
Comforting.
Sunshine and roses.
Gratitude.
How do the words flow when there’s death and heartache?
Do we reach for gratitude in these times?
How do the words flow when you can’t seem to make ends meet and the stress begins to build?
Yet, we are called to live in the fullness of Christ; not just when the flow of words is easy.
Prayers during church often sound like,
“God please heal so and so. Please be with Aunt so and so.“
Rarely do we hear,
“Lord, thank you so much for Aunt Ruth’s cancer,
may we all be salt and light as we travel this journey you have placed us on.“
Our gratitude is often reserved for the times of ease, comfort.
How would this change us?
Would we live our lives differently if gratitude was given for all things, despite the painful times?
If our perspectives shifted and instead of trying so desperately
to change or fix the situation but we focused on:
How can we glorify God in this time?
Who does God want us to meet or minister to in this time?
How can I become more like Christ in these moments?
I think, for me, my anxiety would be reduced.
These times of uncertainty would become times of deep growth, wrapped in peace.
I imagine this wouldn’t be true in all situations.
But I believe it would change the trajectory of many situations we find ourselves in.
I don’t have the answer.
The past nine years have been spent practicing this thought.
Working to step into gratitude when my heart is the least inclined.
30 Days of Thankfulness
Day #5
I am grateful for
the place God has placed us in
the billowy clouds hovering over the mountain
the way God loves us, even in our doubt
the warm breeze in November
a Friend of Elijah’s visiting with his family
the pitter patter of little feet
the sounds of little voices
Sunshine and warmth
the cozy dark in the early morning
time to bake and create
the lessons I am learning in the hard times
moments to reflect and ponder
hot coffee in my mug
friends who stop over to visit
a backyard all dug up
the changing seasons
the promise of hope
