Friday, February 15, 2019

Dear God,

Gratitude is a gift of great proportion.  It keeps us looking up, saying thank you and helps us focus on all the gifts of life.  It aids us in our suffering as we look for the positive, the good and the blessing.  Gratitude keeps us in touch with you, Giver of All Gifts.  It points us to faith.

Gratitude can help us start and end every day well no matter the circumstances.  Awakening fresh in the morning gives us opportunity for giving thanks for a good night's sleep, a warm bed and safe shelter.  Going about our day we have many chances to consider the gifts of the day, food, medicine, fresh water, people who love us and faith that keeps us on the spiritual journey.  As we climb back into bed, we can give praise to the author of life who kept us alive all day with oxygen, presence and love.

Gratitude keeps us from being stingy, self-centered and demanding.  When reflecting upon all you have given us, it hinders our penchant for thinking about what we don't have or lack in some way.  It keeps our minds clear from all the nasty things that color our thinking like jealousy, resentment and bitterness.  Gratitude keeps us in love with you.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for faith
that leads us
to you.
Thank you
for making us aware
of life
and all
its many gifts.
Forgive us
for taking life
for granted.
Teach us
the way
of thankful living.

Love, Andrea