Last week I shared a post about expressing gratitude. On Thursday, we will celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. So today, I wanted to say I am grateful.
Gratitude is something to be expressed. It is not something to keep inside of us. It is great that we have this day of Thanksgiving to share our gratefulness. But with the holiday fast approaching it is easy to let the day come and go without actually expressing our gratitude. We are busy getting all the grocery shopping done, preparing to take a few days off of work, traveling to be with family, watching the parade or football on the TV, cooking the dinner, eating the dinner, planning a strategy for Black Friday shopping, and traveling home. In the midst of all that, where do we take the time to express our gratitude?
So I am taking the time today. And I would like to encourage you to do the same. Verbalize your gratitude. Express it in writing. Express it with your words. Make a list of 10 things for which you are thankful. Write it down. If you are inclined, share it in the comments below. But don’t keep your list to yourself.
Here is my list:
- I am grateful for my wife and family.
- I am grateful for my church family, all the great people who serve the Lord in this place.
- I am grateful to serve as a Pastor – that I get to serve God for a living.
- I am grateful to be able to connect with so many people in so many places through Greater Things Today. I am grateful that you are reading this.
- I am grateful for the opportunity to have travelled to many different places and experience many different things.
- I am grateful for mentors along the way.
- I am grateful to live in the United States. I am grateful for our freedom, and those who gave their lives for our freedom.
- I am grateful to live in such an amazing time where technology makes possible things that have been impossible.
- I am grateful for a home to live in and the possessions to go along.
- I am grateful for Jesus and the grace I don’t deserve.
How did you do? Did you find the exercise to be easy or difficult? If you found it easy, then your gratitude attitude is in good shape. If you found it difficult to identify ten things for which you are grateful, then consider that you may need to exercise your gratitude a bit more. Some of us are much better at complaining than we are at expressing gratitude.
The best way to develop gratitude is to express it. If you don’t use it, you will lose it. If you are not grateful for what you already have, you will never be grateful for what you don’t have. Gratitude has nothing to do with how much or how little you have. So if you found this little exercise to be difficult then consider making it part of your devotion time each day. Make a commitment to build your gratitude muscle a little each day. The more you express gratitude, the easier it becomes.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it important to express gratitude?
- Why do we often find it difficult to express gratitude?
- How do you overcome ungratefulness?
- Make your list of 10 things for which you are grateful.
- Share your comments.
Muriel says
I am grateful for Jesus and his mercy. I don’t deserve it and yet he continues to give it!
Patricia Hynds says
I am grateful for more things than I can list here, but want you to know I am grateful to have located your ministry site to augment my daily prayer life. Each day there is something so relevant to what is happening in my life or that of those I love.
J. Morrison says
Today is the 48th anniversary of my Baptism. I am grateful for Baptism, my Baptism, God’s Word and His sure promises.
Adele Baxter says
Thank you for these daily mediations. I feel so grateful to God for saving all of us who believe and very grateful for my precious husband and family. I’m also thankful for all the many blessings, living in a country where I can express my love for Christ and the wonderful members of St. Michael’s in Lake Jackson. We have some very great Christians who are angels in the way they minister to each other. God Bless you in your ministry.
Angela White says
I am grateful for your meditations, my family and church family, 3 doggies, a full moon in daylight, sunrises and sunsets, the senses to perceive this world created for us, a safe, warm home, the means to care for myself and others, yummy food, fresh air, peace.
Lisa says
I am grateful for Jesus saving me and forgiving my sins. I am grateful for his grace and mercy.
Kathy says
I am grateful that God gave me a believing heart and Jesus to save me. For my husband, my daughter and the Godly man she married. And oh my goodness am I ever thankful for my 7 month old grandson! That he is healthy, happy and an easy going little fellow. For my friends who love me just like I am. For a warm home, food on the table, a job and car to get there. For good health and professionals to keep me that way. For my church and church family. For education, good books and a sense of humor.. For all of this and more I give thanks.
Pastor Arlyn says
I am grateful for the opportunity to experience life; for God’s love, grace, and forgiveness even though I don’t deserve it; for my wife who continues to teach me; for my congregations I serve; for the home I live in; for food, clothing, and other possessions I am able to enjoy; for freedom; for the beauty of Gods creation; for family and friends; and for my pets.
Colleen D says
I am grateful that God has given me so many blessings – my wonderful husband, our loving rescue dogs, Joey and Tommy, 5 fabulous sisters and their families, good health, caring friends, a good job and a very supportive boss, beautiful national parks, the ocean and mountains, our dear country, and all who serve and have served in the military so that we have freedom. Thank you so much for these daily reflections! 🙂