There were a number of titles running through my head for this blog, like “It’s the hap-happiest season of all…” and “Gratitude,” but I settled with this one thanks to the sermon I heard yesterday (three times because I played with the worship band). It was titled “The Attitude of Gratitude.”
Pastor talked about James 1:16-17, which says:
“Do not be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Something we talked about at church was the idea that we, as Christians, have no allowance to complain about anything. The lives that we have are gifts given to us by God. He tells us that He’s got everything under control, that He’ll take care of us. If we have a job, it’s a blessing. If we have family, it’s a blessing. If we have food, it’s a blessing. And some will say “well I lost my job this past year,” but do they still have a roof over their head? Things may be tight, but you still have people that care about you. Even for the homeless living on the streets of every major city in the world, they still have clothes on their backs, even just a coat or a blanket. This is absolutely not to say that we should not give in any and all ways we can give, but this is to say that we need to personally be grateful for the things we have been blessed with, big or small.
Having just finished with a holiday based around the concept of being grateful (Thanksgiving, for all who are unfamiliar with this holiday), and also heading into a holiday based on the concept of giving out of a joyful heart (and a clay reindeer with a lightbulb for a nose), I want to focus on this idea of being grateful for the life God has given me. I want to say “I trust You, Father, with my life and that You will provide me today with my daily bread,” and walk in that trust. I can’t say “I believe God provides,” in one breath and in the next breath complain that I don’t like the food I’m eating, or that my computer is too slow. God gave that food so that I would be filled and nourished. And at least I have a computer I can use to do work on and communicate with family and friends around the world. “The grass is always greener on the other side.” But think about the fact that you have grass in the first place. Be thankful that you have anything on your side. And you do have plenty to be thankful for.
Check out this clip from “Conan O’Brian…” It will make you laugh and, hopefully, think…
