Gratitude pulls us away from focusing on problems and points us toward the positive. Gratitude reminds us of all that’s good. Gratitude says, “I choose to pause and say thank-you.”
At it’s absolute best, life still offers overwhelm and difficult decisions.
When the extra difficult shows up, it demands leaning with especial intention on the helpful habits we’ve already built into our lives.
Today I’m grateful for beauty outside my windows. For fresh new life budding forth in my messy yard. For cheerful birdsong bubbling in the breeze.
I’m savoring the slow emergence of the glorious blooms on our Bradford Pear. Much of life happens in slow cadence. It can’t be rushed or wrestled forth. Results require time.
I’m grateful for a crooked line of daffodils and hyacinths and crocuses and tulips along the rocks in my back yard. I’m grateful I managed to pound the bulbs into the dirt last fall. For months no one knew they were there. They lay sleeping, waiting, staying, biding their time. When sun and spring beckoned, they began to stretch and nod and uncurl, shyly peeking forth from sandy soil. Their graceful faces bring me untold happiness.
I’m grateful for the deep green of the wheat out my door. It’s luxuriant and lush and lovely. It leans in against the blue of Kansas sky for a fantastic showcase. It reminds me of the green pastures we’re told about in Scripture. The one where our Shepherd causes us to lay down and rest. He offers rest and renewal by still waters. I wonder if I remember to gratefully accept?
Where are you finding beauty today? What made your gratefulness list this morning?
Psalm 23 ~
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod & your staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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