I rolled over in bed, having slept in until 9:30 AM, and smelled something yummy. Opening my sleepy eyes I noticed a tray sitting on the bed with the “You Are Special Today” plate, mug and matching napkin. On the plate was a beautiful omelet, and the mug held steaming hot raspberry tea. Then I noticed a small white card on the side of the tray. “Dear Mom, I made you this breakfast today to say thank you for bringing us on the fun trip to Gillette. It was so much fun. Love, Lillia”
What a great way to start my day! There’s nothing more lovely than hearing the words “thank you” in response to something you’ve done. As a parent, hearing those words from my children is extra special.
As I relished the moment of gratitude expressed by one daughter, I began to think about just how much gratitude I show my Abba Father. How many times do I pause long enough to reflect on the too-many-to-count blessings in my life, and say “thank you”? I’m not a person who tends to grumble. I try to always approach situations with a positive outlook. I even reflect on how blessed my life is. But I’m also not very good about expressing that gratitude – be it to my children, my husband, my friends, or even my God.
Being on the receiving end of that gratitude this morning, I was reminded about the importance of expressing my own thankfulness to others. This week I choose to not only be grateful, but to also openly and extravagantly express that gratitude. My prayers this week will focus on thanking the Lord for who He is and what He has done, rather than what I want to receive and what I need.
Will you join me in making this a week of gratitude? As we begin Holy Week, I think there would be no better orientation of our hearts than that of thanksgiving and praise of the Creator and Redeemer of the earth. Here are a couple scripture passages to reflect and meditate on this week:
- Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:18
- And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:17
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6
- Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-3
- Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High Psalm 50:14
- I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. Psalm 35:18
