Gratitude...

Psalm 100.4 (EB)
Enter his gates with thanks; enter his courtyards with praise! Thank him! Bless his name!

Seasonally there is a social media challenge that invites us to practice gratitude. Usually, in November (a month in which we celebrate Thanksgiving), it seems natural for us to be appreciative. Sunday, we will begin a short two week series on “Gratitude” learning again how an attitude will shape perceptions about us as individuals and the church.

​What is gratitude? Webster’s dictionary defines it as “…a feeling of appreciation or thanks.” Moreover, while that is certainly true, feelings have a tendency to be fickle and often fleeting. What if in addition to feeling thankful, we shape our attitudes to become more defined by finding things to be thankful for in any given day. Through practiced attention and discipline, I believe that an attitude of gratitude can shift our focus and shape our feelings in ways that have long-term and positive effects.

So why do we focus on gratitude? Gratitude is a gateway in which we place all things in faith-filled order. Humbly, we recognize that God is the giver of all and us receivers of God’s good grace. Thus, we actively recall the story of faith that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.” (John 3.16 CEB).

So maybe try your own experiment and find something to be thankful for every day. See you Sunday!

​Grace and Peace,
Rev. Brian