Having a heart of Gratitude

This week I was looking for this picture to email a friend. The image is a 2 ft x 3 ft artistic expression of a simple concept that no doubt helps me keep perspective and profoundly impacts my attitude.

And as I was glancing through dozens and dozens of photos, I started to tear up (yeah that’s unusual I know, I know). It really wasn’t that I was sad about seeing loved ones who are no longer with us or friends far away, it was simply a reminder of the many Holy Moments of God’s faithfulness and goodness.

The idea of gratitude is much more then just positive thinking, we are encouraged in many places in the Scripture, especially the Psalms:

We read in Psalm 100: 4 & 5

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving

     and his courts with praise;

     give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

       his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

No doubt life at times is painful and tough, and yes even unfair, and yes it’s filled with some very religious people who can behave like they are from another planet. Yet, through it all I can say, “It is well with my soul.”

As we begin the summer season may you be intentional in remembering God’s faithfulness, and in the process may you be able to sing It is Well with my Soul

“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” — Deitrich Bonheiffer

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.” - Psalm 95:2-3