How is is that such a scene did not produce in her a sense of how big God is and how small we are? Why wasn't she speechless in wonder? What was it that made her oblivious to her surroundings and concerned only with the here and now? Thinking on this prompted consideration of the attitudes that produce gratitude. After reading an article that highlighted the following six points, sharing them and the thoughts they produced made this Thanksgiving season special.
1.) I have what I need. Jehovah Jireh ~ God provides. "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
2.) I appreciate you! My family, friends, and mentors ~ again, God's provision ~ is a support system with skin on. They encourage me and make me aware of my blessings and I value them. "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 20-21)
3.) I believe. This is bedrock, foundational. Martin Luther said, "Here I stand, I can do no other." Jesus said the wise man built his house upon a rock. Paul said Jesus is that Rock. Solomon said, "Buy the truth and sell it not." (Proverbs 23:23) When your convictions are built on the rock of truth, you won't be overwhelmed by the storms life brings. Even deadly calm cannot pull you off course!
4.) I love. I Corinthians 13 is called the love chapter. It speaks of love's giving nature and how it focuses on the good, the hopeful, and the potential with patience and grace. "Finally, brethren, whatsoeverthings are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."(Philippians 4:8)
5.) I want to know. Desiring to learn, to understand, seeking after wisdom ~ these are signs of a hungry heart and an inquisitive mind. It is good to wonder why, to be interested. The psalmist said, "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10b) Jesus said, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) Solomon said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginnning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) and, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7) You see, knowing Jesus puts life's events in their proper perspective.
6.) I want to see beyond. Bishop Grisham often said, "If you see a turtle on a fence post, know that it didn't get there by itself." He was quoting Bro. J.T. Pugh, but the truth remains. True appreciation goes beyond what's readily apparent. Although I don't know who the author was, an old poem goes like this...
"Back of the bread, the flour,
And back of the flour, the mill,
And back of the flour, the sun and the rain,
and the wind and the Father's will."
And back of the flour, the mill,
And back of the flour, the sun and the rain,
and the wind and the Father's will."
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