And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
If I embrace this scripture, completely and totally – and isn’t that the way He intended? – then everything I do, everything I say, should be done in His name, with an attitude of thanks. On a day when my attitude is good, things go much more smoothly. On a day when my attitude stinks…well, not so much. I have come to realize it really is ALL IN THE ATTITUDE. An thankful and grateful heart allows me to see things differently, than when my heart is not in that place. When talking about cultivating a “spirit of thanksgiving” Billy Graham writes in my favorite devotional book he authored…”Thank God for every blessing He gives you. Thank Him for Christ and what He has done for you. Even when things go wrong, thank Him that they aren’t worse, and you are still in His hands.”
One evening soon after Amy died, my husband and I were praying together and he thanked God for Amy and the situation we were in…I cannot remember his exact words, but I remember being really irritated! After we finished praying, I asked him what he thought he was doing THANKING GOD for this horrible, life-changing event we were experiencing?!? He said something along the lines of…”we are to be thankful at all times, for all things. I am just trying to follow what the Lord says.” Ouch! I didn’t come around immediately…but I did get “there.” “There” being able to say thank you for that experience, for that time in my life, for the way it changed me and others for the better.
So…I continue adding to my gratitude list. I join with Ann and others…check it out…
One evening soon after Amy died, my husband and I were praying together and he thanked God for Amy and the situation we were in…I cannot remember his exact words, but I remember being really irritated! After we finished praying, I asked him what he thought he was doing THANKING GOD for this horrible, life-changing event we were experiencing?!? He said something along the lines of…”we are to be thankful at all times, for all things. I am just trying to follow what the Lord says.” Ouch! I didn’t come around immediately…but I did get “there.” “There” being able to say thank you for that experience, for that time in my life, for the way it changed me and others for the better.
So…I continue adding to my gratitude list. I join with Ann and others…check it out…
262. another gentle reminder to be thankful.
263. new week.
263. new school year.
264. courage to move forward.
265. conversation with son.
266. more travel plans.
267. joyful tears on checks.
268. opportunity to share my faith.
269. young friend that joined us at church yesterday.
270. 3 year old that came to tell me “you are a good singer” after church. It warmed my heart!!
271. wonderful friends that are part of our prayer group.
272. lessons learned.
273. sun streaming through the trees.
274. another day to try and live His message and share His good news with those I meet.
I hope you have a wonderful day. What are you thankful for this week?
#262- I too am thankful for His gentle reminders.
#273- Hmm. I can see His sun. The rays bringing warm thought of His Son.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks for sharing. Your words encourage me this morning!!
A grateful attitude makes all the difference, doesn't it? And I'm thankful for people that remind me of it, like this gratitude community. Being held accountable in giving thanks — well, that's something to be thankful for!
"courage to move forward"
i'm feeling that one, too.
ahh, yes…He goes before us and WITH us!
He is faithful!
thanks for sharing How you are seeing Him.
glad to be on this journey with you,
megan
Dear, dear friend,
I had no idea until today about your loss. It sounds so trite, but if I could bear some of the pain for you, I would.
I rejoice with you in your schooling, your new travel plans, and the darling 3 year old complimenting you on your singing, how precious!
Love,
Dianne
Thank you for sharing your list and your heart. Bounced over from Ann's, and I love your "courage to move forward". I too am thankful for courage from God whenI feel as if I have none.
Nice meeting you!
*sigh* You are so right. It's all in the attitude. And mine was terrible today. Thank you for the reminder, dear friend! Joining you in giving thanks for His endless gifts!
Oh I agree with 264 and 273 very much. And now, I'm also thankful for the beautiful photos on your blog! I love to watch Him paint His world with such delicate glory..bless you and thank you for sharing them 🙂