Out of gratitude
While I was away travelling I forced myself to go to the nearest gym, because otherwise I would’ve taken a few extra kilos home and it’s becoming more and more difficult to get rid of them. I walked into the gym, apparently one of the top gyms in the country, but I didn’t like it: they didn’t have the machine I normally sweat on, the bikes were over-used, and the TV channels were muddled up. I left feeling grateful for our local gym.
Why do we have to experience something worse before being grateful for what we already have?
My daughter sprained her finger playing netball. Every now and then she showed how the colour was changing from red to blue to purple. At the same time she became gratefully aware of how much her hands meant to her.
Paul remains a strong example of how we should be living. Here he was in jail with very little, but still overflowing with gratitude for those who did something small for him. The people of Philippi sent him a gift. He thanked them warmly: 18And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end.
He was content with very little. Then, when he did receive something, he was sincerely grateful. And us? How grateful are we? It seems to me the more things we have, the less grateful we are.
Connie told me how, although she is struggling, she still helps others who are suffering even greater hardship. And how she cannot be otherwise than grateful:
My daughter and I have had to swallow a lot of hardship.
But the LORD JESUS allows us to look around and see that others also suffer, that we have to pray for them and help where we can. That is why we are here on earth – to be an extension of JESUS’ hands and feet.
Thursday evenings we do outreach on the beach front. Then we tell others about the Way, the Truth and the Life. We pray for people and hand out clothes and food.
Last night we saw a man with no hands. Just two small thumbs. Well, he didn’t let that hold him back. He sketches the most beautiful pictures. I have two hands and can’t even draw a stick figure.
My daughter prayed for him and gave him a small present. He was so glad and immediately thanked Jesus.
I was sad as I thanked Jesus for all that I have.
Each and every one of us should thank Jesus for all that we have, but unfortunately we become so used to what we have or we keep on wanting more, not realizing how much we already have.
Let’s make an appointment with ourselves and God so that we can reflect. Grab a pen and start writing down all that you have and thank Him from the bottom of your heart for everything.
Reflection
Are you grateful enough?
What can you thank God for?
How can you show your gratitude in everyday life?
Prayer
Thank you, Father, thank you for … Amen
