An Attitude of Gratitude

I love this quote by Rick Warren, “Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments seek God. Quiet moments. Worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.” The more we look for moments to appreciate, worship and trust God, the more we will cultivate attitudes that glorify God, which will result in a life filled with joy. No matter your situation, it is possible to find something to be thankful for.

Our sweet daughter Hope has a fierce love and compassion for all animals. In 2004, while my parents were in town for the Thanksgiving holiday, her teddy bear hamster named “Cowboy” escaped form his confines in the backyard. The entire family immediately began scouring the area looking for this wonderful creature of God. But despite our best efforts, we came up short. A couple of days later, while we were gathered around the Thanksgiving table, we told Hope to express gratitude for Cowboy and to ask the Lord to take care of him. The minute she finished the prayer, our Yorkshire terriers, who weret in the backyard, began barking non-stop at our stone retaining wall. When we went outside to determine what the fuss was about, there was Cowboy , buried a few inches in the rock, peeping out, looking a little apprehensive.

We were full of gladness and shouted for joy, just as Psalm 100 invites us to do. God rescued Cowboy that day and he can do the same for you. All you have to do is look for things to appreciate and be thankful for. When you display an attitude of gratitude, you are recognizing how valuable your life and your relationship with God are. All good things come from him ( James 1:17). We experienced God’s faithfulness when Cowboy came home and I hope that you and your family will to as you focus on the evidence of God’s omnipresent faithfulness.

Father, help to be be grateful and to count my spiritual , physical, and material blessings. Thank you for giving me an attitude of gratitude and for inviting me to enter your gates with thanksgiving. Open my mind, heart, and soul to find things to be thankful for in difficult circumstances so I can experience the kind of joy you intended for my life!

Throughout This Day: Give thanks often to your Father for all the good things he gives to all.