Our nature, our upbringing, and our circumstances often offer us the lowest grade, off-brand, single-ply reaction to the many things we face each day…dissatisfaction and discontent. Gratitude may seem the opposite of what the first reaction would be and yet, gratitude truly sets us up to soar, not just survive. Anyone can, and most do, recall with sharp detail the troubles which surround them, yet gratitude is clear and compelling evidence of the developing and devoted follower of Christ. If we recognize the stimulus (fear, dissatisfaction, disappointment, etc.) we can arrest our reaction and choose our response. As a matter of fact, the distance between the stimulus and the response if our opportunity to change the world.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, instead be filled with the spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Ephesians 5:15-20
At Thanksgiving, the recounting of the year’s blessing shifts the atmosphere of the room while every participant inspires others and we treasure the occasions when we gather with family and friends and intentionally take the time to voice memory for which we are grateful. Now is the time to live as the wise and make the most of every opportunity.
Exercise your gratitude.
As an exercise, as you walk through the next 5 minutes of your day consciously pray. Start with a simple time of authentic thanksgiving. Thank God for the bed pillow you left this morning. Really thank Him. Remember the for the air filling your lungs and the nose that sucked it in. For the glass in the window which you passed and saw the sun…another one of His gifts. Be specific and trace the many impacts one single blessing contains. For instance, GLASS = used in windows, used as a vessel = offers clarity = is a windbreak = perspective = protection from elements = can be heated and formed, etc. I thank God for every aspect as I trace them through their various implications and true blessings on my life. This exercise can quickly shift your attention to God and His goodness and away from circumstances.
And parents – Don’t live as the unwise, but as the wise. Make the most of every opportunity! Your words are the soundtrack of your children’s future. Be aware that you are not training up young eyes and seeding young fertile minds to see decay and despair. Your responsibility, as Godly parents, is to model faith so that your children learn to see past the natural and into God’s glory as clearly as they see their own hand. This is the time to be purposeful about the playlist of your mind and mouth as you curate the timbre of your home’s conversation.
Grateful for you. Blessings – Morgan