Friday, February 13, 2015

Dearest God,

You whisper gratitude to us.  You show us the way to a meaningful, joyful life.  You point out the blessings and remind us to be grateful for what you have given.  You challenge us to live positively knowing living life with a "half-empty cup" mentality will lead to an ungrateful life.

The temptation is to look at what we do not have.  We complain, groan, and get grouchy when we are upset because we don't possess the relationships we want or the money we think we need or the possessions that make life comfortable.  When we focus on what we want rather than what we have our outlook changes.  Our perspective shifts.  Our mood darkens.  We miss the value of gifts and blessings already provided.

In the early morning hours even before we rise from our beds, you whisper thanksgiving to us.  You inspire us to consider the gifts of your spirit, greater than any gift the world has to offer.  You nudge us toward gratitude because you know a grateful life can move us to a much greater appreciation of each blessing great or small.  You know gratitude, by its very nature, always leads us back to you.

Generous God,
thank you
for life lessons
that humble us
and return us home
to you.
Thank you
for early morning chats
and holy nudges
that keep us
on a path
that leads us
to you.
Challenge us
in the depths
of our soul
to make
our home
with you.

Love, Andrea