Focusing on gratitude this beautiful fall morning…..

When life starts getting a little more demanding than usual, whether it be at home or at work or both, sometimes our minds can start to find fault and our hearts can start to grumble. 

We try to handle stress, schedules, moods.  Too much to do, others’ lack of responsibility or attention, rude words. Unexpected pressures or worries. Pure exhaustion.

All this tension tends to surface through complaining and blaming when we are not careful. And, that in itself is draining.

We tell ourselves that we wouldn’t feel like this if only someone would do something differently.

We tell ourselves that we wouldn’t act like this if we could just get some rest.

We tell ourselves that we are justified in our words because of something someone said.

We tell ourselves….. lots of things.

When maybe what we need to tell ourselves ……. is that God is good. 

Even if our circumstances aren’t always ideal or easy or comfortable or playing out our way.

“The Lord is good to all. And His loving-kindness is over all His works.”  Psalm 145:9 (NLV)

Even when we start our days with gratitude and include the most precious people and things that we are thankful for in our prayers, our hearts are not always in the position to accept His goodness.  All it takes is a condescending remark, an angry email, an urgent task that causes us to go blind to God’s blessings in the moment, in the day, in our lives.  Shifting that focus back to Him is not always easy, but so important to fulfill His purpose for our lives ..that is good.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

So, after a very busy couple of weeks, I want to not only acknowledge all He has done, but I want to fill my heart and my soul in His goodness.  Won’t you join me?

Let’s tell ourselves to thank God for the daily blessings in our lives.  The joys in good as well as the lessons in the frustrations.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  I Thessalonians 5: 18 (NIV)

Let’s tell ourselves to rest in the truth and be grateful that God is good. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:29 (NIV)

Let’s tell ourselves to continue to seek His goodness all around us.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

Praying His blessings over all of us on this beautiful fall day.