Gratitude
It was a small gesture but one that I took note of. We were at a large women’s’ luncheon, and I was one sitting at a table of ten women. The conversations, as you can relate, were being enjoyed in all directions. Salads were cleared and entrees were being served, and as I was looking across the table I noticed a sweet friend who stopped whatever conversation she was a part of, and with a sweet smile of her own, looked the server in the eye and thanked her for the meal she had placed at her spot.
Such a little thing, but it was such a reminder that being grateful to people for even the smallest of efforts that they have made toward us is so valued in the eyes of the receiver. My friend returned to her conversation, oh but the smile upon the face of the server was so sweet and there was a hint of appreciation, that someone, had noticed her , pausenot just her efforts.
We have those opportunities everyday, in so many situations, but I know I am guilty of thinking about my next move or even the chore at hand and forget to be thankful to those who are assisting me. And not just a thank you but a “stop, pause, and look them in the eye” and be grateful for their time and efforts.
And then my thoughts went right to God. How often do I get caught up in my own agenda, that I allow the blessings that God has placed before me to go either unnoticed and unappreciated. I can’t look God in the eyes and thank him, but he can see clearly into my heart and there lies the source of my gratitude….I am thankful to God and for God for all His blessings that flow… but I know that so many times I take them for granted and do not pour my thanksgiving back to him in prayer. Not just for the joys and the good stuff, but I know even in my trials and challenges, God has given them to me in an effort to grow my faith and teach me dependence on him and trust him in all situations.
God, I do believe, loves to be recognized for his goodness, grace, power and ultimate oversight over not only all our individual lives, but this world as a whole. Kindness, mercy, a life he sacrificed, forgiveness, unending grace and abounding, unconditional love are the merits on which he stands.
How blessed we are to be invited to be a living part of God’s kingdom. He has given us an example to live by, and though we will never perfect it, we can be God’s stewards. When we just make a conscious effort to look for God’s everyday blessings, we will find them and hopefully remember to thank him. And when we do, it will help us to be conscious to pass along to those whose paths we cross, love and small gestures of gratitude and thanksgiving that God has been given to us.
There will be many times when our own gestures have seemingly gone unnoticed, but if we get in a habit of doing whatever good we are doing unto God and not for the applause of others, there is where we will find our solace. For God sees our efforts, and his pat on the back may not be
felt but close your eyes and you will find his smile has landed on your heart.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
May you be a blessing this day to someone who God puts in your path, and may you tap into your heart source and be nudged to be looking our for the blessings before you and thank God for them. Amen
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!
All past emails can be found at: Cathyjodeit.com (Contents Page)
