There is a saying that Gratitude is Attitude. So, what is gratitude? If we really sit down and ponder it is a truly remarkable gift that we receive from all of God’s blessings. When we are grateful for true blessings, our attitude is usually truly remarkable and lifts us up.
What does God give me to have gratitude? The list is very long. He is our Creator and Maker. The beauty of birth and life is so overpowering. God even says He knew us before we were born. He has always thought of you. He has poured out many blessings upon us; however we must decide to use them or not. The benefits from using them are so remarkable: birth of a child, recovery from a serious illness, the complexity of the universe, His love for all His children, a marriage of true love, a strong relationship with our spouse and children, a good job, the needs that are necessary for life and not the wants, good friends who look out for our good, good health, and most of all His love. It is a love so great that He sacrificed His only Son.
Yes, there are times when we wonder how am I doing His work and showing Him gratitude. For us at HOPE it is the gentle, caring, and respect that we show to His lambs and sheep. It is sorting the clothes, boxing up the household items, matching the lines, filling the baskets of HOPE, filling out the necessary forms, packing the furniture, delivering the furniture, and showing our clients how much they are loved. When we pray for one another that God will bless us and when we thank Him for all we have: this is when we show Him our gratitude and our attitude.
Why do people suffer? I asked this question of a very deeply religious and holy priest. His response to me was that those who suffer are His just (righteous servants) who have a special place in His Heavenly Kingdom. Let us stop and pray for all those who suffer and ask God to grant them His everlasting piece.
AMEN!!!!