Grateful Hearts


 

We ought to be thankful every day, but a special day of thanks is a good reminder that everything we have is a gift from a loving God who never tires of giving. We are called to be imitators of God’s generosity to all whom we encounter and those we hold in our hearts.

Gratitude should be an essential part of our lives. We need to be grateful for the air we breathe, the clean water at our disposal, the food most of us have in abundance, the health care we receive, families and friends who love us, employment that provides for our needs and contributes to the community. An attitude of gratitude is also good for your health. Recent research shows it can "improve sleep and self-esteem, reduce pain, alleviate anxiety and depression, and increase your overall satisfaction with life." (Prevention, Nov. 2016) 

We often take our freedoms and blessings for granted. We have never had to experience war on  our soil. Most of us have never gone hungry, homeless, or suffered persecution.  Lord, awake us, shake us, embolden us to appreciate your goodness to us. Break open our hesitant hearts to share our gifts, and to sing your praises forever. Amen.



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