The other day, I was watching the sequel to a compelling movie. As most movie sequels, this one was not as good as the first. One small scene struck me, though. The main character, Red, has jumped on a train (illegally)with an unnamed man. The other man had helped Red, a teenage runaway, avoid being caught by the railroad security team. Before the unnamed man jumped out of the train car, he quietly wrote in the air a list. Red asked him what he was doing. He said it was a "gratitude list". Every morning, this man would list 10 things he was grateful for, just as his mama had taught him. Although he seemed to be a man who owned only the clothes on his back, he could find things to be grateful for, like his health and the clouds in the big Texas sky. Red did not understand this concept. He had left his parents so that they would have one less child to feed. He was following his dream to become a billionaire, even though he had not even graduated from high school.
Can I make my own Gratitude List? My life is nothing like Red, nor the unnamed man. I am beyond blessed with my four sons, I have a closet full of clothes, and I have a job with a flexible schedule. Clean water comes out of any faucet in my home, I live in a nice house, and own two vehicles with my loving husband. Our refrigerators (yes, I have two!) and deep freezer are well stocked, and so are the two food pantries. I am writing this article on my home computer, I can travel anywhere in the United States, and I can contact my parents anytime I want.
(I guess that wasn't too hard after all!!! )
We are called to be grateful for both the big things and the little things. We are to thank God always, not just when we want. Are there things I could complain about? Oh, YES! But, griping is not going to get me anywhere.
15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.16 Rejoice always,17 pray without ceasing,18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (English Standard Version)
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