Gratitude

Right now we all need encouragement.

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to God the Father through Him.”

I have been learning in this new season our nation has shifted into that I must have a continuation of GRATEFULLNES!

I simply just cant watch the news long. But, I also realize that I really can’t hide from the reality of what is happening around me either. I am choosing to stay close to a couple of news apps and prayer strategy ministries via email and social media.

Being focused on my connection to the current affairs has raised up more of a need in me to feed my heart with hope and thankfulness.

The ebb and flow of our current emotionally driven society can impact us, so subtle that Before we know it we are responding to life in a way we never thought we were capable. Our response, the opposite of gratitude. Recently standing in the line at Home Depot, with mask in hand, I became more and more of annoyed over the “process” of all we are facing to stop this virus. “I could have been in and out in 10 minutes.” I said to myself angrily. I mean I was just going in for 1 bulb needed for our the light fixture over the breakfast table.(hand on face) As quick as I had that frustrated thought, I checked myself and the obvious of how minor my light bulb situation was compared to all going on, and I needed to be THANKFUL!

Yesterday morning, I woke up, my usual way talking with the Lord, praying over my day and family. Recalling my visit to Home Depot, I said to myself, “my attitude is affected by my gratitude.” Led by a spirit of prayer, I crafted this phrase, “Gratitude defines Attitude!” Ladies, when we are absent of a grateful heart, our attitude follows suit. Through these perilous times I have been reminded of a phrase I read in Anne Frank’s memoires, “I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.” In the middle of her family being in lock down, her once happy world now in question and hiding; Anne managed to find joy and beauty even in the dark place she and her family were in. Pondering Anne’s strength I have gleaned from for many years, I purposed to flood my heart and mind with more gratitude. In August I am partnering with my Pastor’s wives, Lead Lady Pastors and other amazing women in my life to do a 10 day Gratitude Blitz. For the first 10 days of August we are going to write 5 gratitude statements everyday and share them on our Facebook Group Page. Out of our heart flows our feelings, and our feelings play out in our daily life and attitude. I desire that as I journey through this current season of unrest, that my heart is full of gratitude so my attitude can be uplifting to those around me.

In Hope & Gratitude ~Liz