In Gratitude
What are you thankful for today? What blessings has God given to you over the years?
Faith? Family? Friends? The good things in life-- both great and small?
St. Ignatius of Loyola states: “I think that ingratitude is at the root of all sinfulness.”
I agree. Think about it. Discontent (which often leads to sinfulness) is thinking we have been “short changed” by God, life, circumstances or someone. We can easily fall into the trap of believing that we have not been fairly treated or given all that we “deserve”, after all, isn’t that what advertisers say? Looking around, we compare ourselves to others and think God has held back something from us that we think would make us insanely happy.
But Psalm 84:12-13 states: “The LORD withholds no good thing from those who walk without reproach. O LORD of hosts, blessed the man who trusts* in you!”
Gratitude to God and trusting in God for ALL He has given to us is the remedy. Being thankful for what we have, not fretting over what we don’t have is the key.
Don’t just be thankful TODAY because it’s fitting! Be thankful EVERYDAY! Your days will turn into years and before you know it...five, ten, twenty... a lifetime will be up. Be grateful every day, don’t “compare and despair” but trust in God and see where your thankful heart will carry you.
Let me tell you a little story…
It’s hard to believe we began Something Greater Ministries four years ago this past month. I can remember how hard it was to push the “send” button for the first blog posting. I looked around and compared myself to others who had more of just about everything: experience, social media networks, years of Catholic clout, and well... just straight up chutzpah. I was intimidated. I got my eyes onto THEM and what they had and off of God and being thankful for what He had given to me. I worried and squirmed over starting this ministry for months before actually doing it. In the end I realized we were forming Something Greater Ministries --and everything we do-- out of obedience to an inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Whether it was well received or not, was not the issue...obedience was the issue. My job was to do what He inspired, His job was to do whatever He pleased with the effort. After this humbling truth sank into my rather wobbly heart, I obeyed, pushed the button to launch the first blog into cyber space and called the initial Something Greater Ministries Board meeting to order. (Thank you all past, present and future SGM Board members, especially Maribeth Harper).
And boy am I so grateful for all God has done! What fun it has been to serve Him together in so many exciting ways. 235 blog postings, Metamorphosis of a Soul, Born to Soar, The Source, RE-Fresh Retreats and the upcoming opportunity of leading a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land are just some of the many blessings God has orchestrated. Please come join us! Details HERE! #BESTCHRISTMASGIFTEVER! Deadline is SOON!
And listen for the soon to air “Something Greater Moments” on WMET Guadalupe Radio 1160 AM.
All of this to say--I am extremely thankful to God and for each of YOU today! I feel we have been on a fantastic journey together, keeping our eyes and hearts turned upwards as One in the Body of Christ, always encouraging one another to Something Greater…Christ Himself. So thank you, thank you, thank you! I give thanks for you today!
“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Dear Lord,
Wow! Thank You for so many blessings in my life today (name your blessings). Most of all for the grace of knowing You. I ask that You will stir in me the ability to trust in You more so that my heart can remain always thankful, no matter my circumstances, knowing that You are Good and that You will not withhold any good thing from me. Jesus I trust in You. (And for this, I am truly thankful). Please help me to trust in You more.
I ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
*Want to learn to TRUST GOD MORE? Take the 6 Week TRUST CHALLENGE! Start TODAY!
