“Well, thanks a lot.” I heard the man say in a huff, sarcastically, as he dropped his item on the store counter and stormed out the door. He was not happy. Nor was he really “thankful.”
This happens to people, perhaps more right now as times are tough for many people. I think that there’s a tendency for people to feel hurt, unhappy, worried & hurried – getting upset over more things, smaller things, now more than usual. Maybe it’s harder to be thankful this season.
I think it’s easier to be grateful the harder things get. Sometimes when things are going so smoothly, I forget to thank God. When I have it too easy, I can forget God entirely. I’m not thankful enough.
Also, this past week, I was driving on I-95 (I don’t recommend you do that, if you can help it). People were not really driving as much as they were racing & chasing each other down the highway. (I won’t mention the rate of speed – I’m not posting a public confession here – let me just say for the record “I just drive the speed of the traffic – umm, the middle lane traffic, not the fast lane.”)
One guy who didn’t like me in the passing lane – I guess ‘cause I just wasn’t “his speed” – gave some hand gesture. I thought, “I wonder if he’s going home for thanksgiving? I wonder what he’s thankful for – if at all?”
I tried to get my mind off the traffic and focused on what I am thankful for, right now: I’m thankful for my family, my kids especially, my relationship with God, my job, my home, and more than anything, salvation in Christ.
And I experienced God’s peace even on I-95 !!!!!
A Grateful Heart Makes a Home (anywhere). Have you ever thought about that? Wherever you are – whatever the circumstances – just pausing to thank God in your heart, & in your thoughts, even when you’re driving I-95!! This thanks is a gift. It helps you make yourself at home wherever you are.
My point? Be grateful to God – for God’s many promises, for God’s presence – for salvation! This grateful heart makes us the kind of disciples Jesus call us to be. Also, it’s a daily witness to others that you have a God who loves you & you know it & you show it.