In this 14th year of gratitude, I do not think I have seen this little quote:
"A grateful soul will make you whole." Gratitude is such a powerful way to approach and problem or any day. It is not "rose colored glasses." It is a reality check. Gratitude is a heavy hitter in the hard days and tough times.
Feeling "whole" is a direct reflection of our relationship with the One who created it. When we offer prayers of gratitude, it does not change God. It changes us. That was my lesson in the first year of Daily Gratitude, and it continues to be my favorite. He delights in our expressions of gratitude, but he does not need it... we do!
Are days are illuminated when we see them through the eyes of gratitude. We see more God... we see people better, too. Our hearts are more tender when we are looking for the hurts and struggles in people. Our compassion grows with our gratitude.
Revelation (the last book of the Bible) declares that the persecution of the church will continue to grow. Are we ready? Recently, I find myself praying that the church will continue protections that allow it to be a vessel that helps it feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and shelter... especially for the sick, widows, and orphans.
Our congregation just completed 1500 school kits that provide the most simple, but necessary school supplies. A mission team last winter was able to see them in use on a trip to Africa. It is a powerful reminder that the little things can go far.
We have church related and sponsored food banks in town that help feed people here at home and abroad. People of faith help stock the shelves and help pack the food that is sent out. People coming together in those moments are always joyful. Helping hands yield happy hearts.
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him." -Mark 12:30-32
I have to note, we have a little bar downtown that has a little food pantry out in the open by the door. Anyone in need at the moment can take from the shelves. That small business is loving its neighbors, too. Small towns have big hearts.
When seasons come with challenges, the grateful soul response changes us from the inside out.
Today, I am grateful that a "grateful soul makes you whole."
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