Now that’s easy! Sometimes! When life is good and all is well….. But even then we may miss the moment. We take it all for granted. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” The Psalmist had to give himself a good talking to, to remind himself of the blessings of God’s faithfulness and forgiveness.
What am I grateful for at this moment? What can I see, feel, touch, taste or hear? What kindness have I received today? Who has made my life easier? Who are the people I know I can turn to when life is tough? Thank you, Lord for…....
Sometimes it is not so easy. When the grey clouds dull my emotions. When I am angry at the somebody for what they said or did. When I am afraid and anxiety is churning my insides. When I am moaning and complaining. That may be time to heed the simple instruction, “Be thankful.” That takes a change of gear as we make the effort to be thankful when we do not feel like it.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer suggest that one of the ways of keeping relationships healthy is to give thanks for each other - especially those people we find difficult. Even she is made in the image of God….!
Gratitude is the gateway to contentment. It leaves no room for envy, complaint or resentment. It puts a smile on our faces. Try it - and tell your face to smile back to God. Did He just give you a wink?