“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18).
What if we made a conscious choice to practice being grateful? That other driver is being careful, thank God. That kid is bright and cheerful, thank God. The checkout clerk chats with her customers like human beings, thank God. That neighbor always waves and says hello, thank God.
Practicing gratitude is powerful. If we make a point of it for a while, before long it becomes a healthy habit, a habit that has benefits far beyond good manners. Being grateful leads to being kind. Being grateful leads to being loving. Being grateful leads to being forgiving. Being grateful leads to being joyful. Being grateful means being aware of all the blessings that are pouring out around us all the time – and that leads to our drawing closer in loving gratitude to the Source of all those blessings.
This message is excerpted from “Practicing gratitude in all circumstances” by Audrey Novak Riley from the July 24, 2023, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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