Gratitude

Like our fearless teacher suggested, I've been giving thanks for things big and small. Lately, I have found myself overwhelmed with thanksgiving with the birth of our new grandson, Wyatt. I'll count that one as both big and small! I've been pretty much walking on air since that happy day last week. But I'm also trying to make a point to give thanks for other slightly more ordinary things.

I find that you can't be in a bad mood at the same time that you are being thankful. It's like sneezing with your eyes open, something my son has been trying to do lately. It can't be done! Gratefulness forces you to just smile and take whatever is happening at the moment and look at it differently in a more thankful way. One of my favorite verses is, In everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I think he means everything, even having to abandon my groceries in the self check out at Kroger because I discovered that I left my wallet at work. I was immediately thankful that I work at church and that it was indeed in my desk right where I left it. I would have been even more thankful had someone decided to pay it forward at that moment but I was thankful all the same.

I'm thankful that my Dad had to cancel his upcoming visit over Thanksgiving even though I am very disappointed I won't get to see him. I'm thankful that the reason is that he feels the need to be at the church he pastors to encourage the Adult Bible Study teachers who are struggling with classs attendance. I'm thankful he loves the Lord and that He continues to spend his life in service to Him, going on 55 years now!

Maybe there's something to this attitude of thankfulness. Think I'll keep it going. I may even pay for someone's groceries myself the next time I'm at Kroger.

November 10, 2013 class audio - Does Science Point Toward a Creator?

Discussion of session 6 of the Faith Under Fire book Exploring Christianity's Ten Toughest Questions
Led by Holly Lundberg