Giving Thanks

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. ~2 Corinthians 9:11

I love 'Children's Time' at Church, because the simplicity of the message often hits home to us adults.  Last Sunday it did just that for me, reminding me how much I have to be grateful for, and even more importantly, how BEING grateful has enriched my life so much more than I ever would have believed.  Having an 'attitude of gratitude' has really changed me.  I was born discriminating.  That can easily lead to being critical, and for years I was a very critical person.  It took its toll on relationships, and it erroded my self-esteem.  Seeing the dark clouds without the silver lining is truly living with that cloud floating over you all the time.  But God doesn't want us to be depressed and critical.  He has planned a life of abundance for us.  He wants us to recognize all the ways He is providing for us and giving us just what we need for a happy, fulfilling life.

And so, on this wonderful day dedicated to giving thanks, I will recount the things they were grateful for at Children's Church so that you can get an attitude adjustment too!

What I am Grateful For:

10. My Home: I have a safe, warm place to sleep at night, but not everyone does.

9. Food: Everyday, I have plenty of food to eat with a full fridge and full freezer, but a lot of people will go hungry tonight.

8. Clothing: I have lots of clean clothes that fit me, but some people will be cold and dirty tonight.

7. Health: I am healthy and strong, but many people have chronic or severe illnesses which limit or threaten their lives.

6. My Country: I live in a country where I am free to believe what I want and speak my mind, but millions have been arrested or are in jail tonight for doing just that.

 

5. Teachers: I have been blessed to have teachers in school, Church and at work who inspired me and shared their knowledge with me.

 

4. Friends: I have many, many friends in my life, some I have known since childhood who are like a second family to me.

3. Family: the place where you learn about real love and God's plan for His people.

2. Parents: teachers, nurses, policemen, judges, bankers, chauffeurs, friends...my parents were everything to me and I am grateful.

1. Jesus: While I was yet an unbelieving, sinning wretch, He gave His life to pay for my sins and grant me eternal life.  Wow, THAT is love!

God Bless you and your family.  Thank you for taking the time to read my posts, I am grateful for that.  And I hope you don't need a tissue now.  (But my sentimental self did in Church on Sunday!)