The
sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart.
Psalm 50:23(CEV)
I was listening to a praise song as it sang, “Give thanks
with a grateful heart…”
A grateful heart? What exactly does that look like? The question
kept popping up in my mind.
I know what an
ungrateful heart looks like. I’m sure we can all think of that person who seems
to always find something wrong with most everything…the “cup is half empty”
sort of person who walks around with a dark cloud hovering overhead. But what
does the person look like who truly has a grateful heart? Is the sun always
shining above her…does she always have a smile on her face?
Not only do I
want to recognize her when I see her, but I want to be her. I want to look in the mirror and say, “There she is!” I’ve
been intentional lately about practicing gratitude, and I must say, it does not
come natural for me. At first I thought I needed good reasons to be thankful,
like my day going smoothly, things going well with my family, friendships, and
such. But when they didn’t go so well, and I made myself thank God for them
anyway, something wonderful happened…I became truly grateful for them. Not
because of what they were of themselves, but because of what God was doing in
the midst of them…and what He was doing in me.
Many times what
we practice with our lips becomes embedded in our hearts – whether good or bad.
We start believing what we hear ourselves saying. The more I looked for reasons
to be grateful, the more I saw. Things I never thought of as blessings started
looking different. I started seeing that the world is filled with blessings in
disguise. They are only visible to those who look for them.
I keep going to
the mirror hoping to see that grateful woman looking back at me…and some days
she does, other days she forgets… or is lazy.
A life of gratitude has to be intentional, it has to be practiced and
lived out on purpose. It’s not easy, but it is possible…if it weren’t, God
would not ask us to do it.
“…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
How about you? Are you seeing that grateful woman (or man) in your
mirror?
What I've been seeing in the mirror lately is a lady who is adjusting to going natural with her hair color! But I also often check to see if my face is reflecting my Maker's!
ReplyDeletegratitude...I think it really does beautify....and makes life fun and good and right. thanks Charlotte for this reminder
ReplyDeleteYou have convicted my heart to find thankfulness in everything. I try, but sometimes "me" takes over. Your words are full of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteMostly I avoid mirrors...I guess if I look in search of something the mirror won't be so scary.
One of my favorite songs. In fact, my almost-13-year-old son began singing it in the car yesterday. He never does that. After a couple lines of lyrics, he stopped to explain to his friend that this is one of him mom's favorite songs. And, it is. I sang it, he caught it.
ReplyDeleteGratitude is a sustaining force! I love how you write that it should be visible on our countenance!
Karen
Idaho
Via Spiritual Sundays