The Art of Gratefulness...

I believe that when the same topic of conversation surfaces more than once on the same day that I need to stop and pay strict attention.  As I drove to and from work today, I was engaged in conversations that made me feel the need to repent for being ungrateful.  It would seem that the more we have, the more ungrateful we are.  

A close friend traveled to a place where there lived some very impoverished people and it made me reflect on how much stuff we collect: bigger houses, more expensive cars, good jobs and surrounded by people who love us, but yet we still are not happy!  To top things off, I had a conversation with a co-worker who was in tears because she was allowing stress and unhappiness to cause physical illnesses to manifest in her body.  Instead of being grateful for the life that she has now been afforded, she continues to reflect and dwell on the the prior sad situations of her life.  I told her that someone else was depending on her to get over those situations, so that she could help them get through and to be grateful for where she is now.   The situation was bad, but it didn't take her out and that's enough to thank God for.  

I had to just stop and proclaim to myself how good God truly is.  Based on how I grew up, I never would have imagined that I would have accomplished what I have today nor have the luxury to live as I do.  Yet, God is good and I can stand as a testimony of God's grace.  Today I choose gratefulness!  There is something every single day to be grateful for - if you so choose!

My friends, let us not become distracted by what is going on around us and drawn into the nonsense of this life. Let us remain focused on what is truly important and love the lives we've been afforded to live.  

"Do everything without complaining..."(‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ NLT)

"You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred." 

(‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1-2‬ NLT)

REMEMBER - Someone else is happy with far less than what you have.

- Unknown

Talk about your blessings more than you talk about your problems.