Lenten Word 26: Thanksgiving

Our Lenten Journey should be one of thankfulness to God. The 40 days lead us to that great event that gave birth to the Church, Christ's Resurrection. What can we be if not thankful for a God that did not hold back His Son for us? A spirit of thankfulness is a generous, loving spirit that shows care and concern for others.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”

During my internship as a minister many years ago, one of the things I dreaded was to visit a nursing home. I did not look forward to visiting this one home because the first thing that would hit me as I entered was the smell. It was not one of the nicest nursing homes. But that very first person I visited was a dear, sweet lady who blessed me with your attitude towards God and life. Hers was a life of gratitude who gave thanks in all things and I left being blessed. I thought I could go in and bless her with my pastoral gifts, but she was the one who held the blessing.

Do you hold a blessing for others because of your gratitude?

PRAYER: Living God, help me to be a blessing to You and Yours. I thank You for all You have shared with me and I ask that my life being a living testimony of that gratitude. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.