Gratitude I

“Many, many, many thanks!” they always said.

Mr. and Mrs. Geese are grateful for food and the hatching of seven of eight eggs. Even though one is a dud, they rejoice in what they do have. Their positivity is an example to us, for it is a key to living an abundant life. To focus on disappointment allows sadness to sap the energy of forward spiritual and practical progress.

Gratefulness has been defined as “making known to God and others the ways they have benefited my life.” We are in debt to others. “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (1 Cor. 4:7).

Our debt of gratitude extends even to those who harm us and cause us to suffer, because through suffering we grow in grace. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2–4).

Gratitude is often in short supply. We see it in our culture: at the store or restaurant when the cashier fails to thank us for our business or when children take without thanking. A powerful example of ingratitude is found in the biblical account of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed, but with only one expressing thankfulness.

“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks” (Luke 17:15–16). Why was this man the only one to give God glory?

Prayer: I will enter Your gates with thanksgiving and enter your courts with praise: I will be thankful to You and bless Your name (see Ps. 100). I will determine to give thanks, for benefits or trials: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18).
Radiant Action: I will think of good things others have done and thank them. I will be a good steward, count blessings and not losses, and affirm that God is at work in my life. I will work through lament, anguish, and the grief as the psalmists did, and quiet my heart and focus on loving others.
Webs: Patience (Aug.), Words (Oct.), Peace (Nov.)