March 15, 2018
Creator God wants us to be grateful – it honors Him. Our life has more joy when we are grateful. I have been considering the things that hinder a grateful heart.
- A sense of entitlement. If I feel I deserve something, I probably will not be grateful when I do not get it.
- A schedule that is too busy. When I clutter my priorities to the point of frustration, I end up with unfinished business or work completed with little or no joy. I am too tired and frustrated to be grateful.
- A lost perspective. This happens when I get too close to a situation to see the big picture or I forget the purpose for which I was given this day. This can lead to depression, and it is difficult to be grateful and depressed at the same time.
- A selfish outlook. My agenda becomes so much about me that I am irritated with anything that does not fit my plans.
- A sense of overload. This happens when I take on responsibilities that I am not intended to carry. My desire is wholesome in wanting to fix a problem, but in reality, it is not my assignment.
- A poor choice or decision. I am angry about something I did or neglected to do. Instead of confession and restoration, I am defeated and negative.
- A personality issue. Some people are more inclined to grumbling than rejoicing. It may be the result of upbringing, but sometimes it is in our DNA. Not everyone has a naturally optimistic outlook.
The best cure for grumbling is gratefulness. But most of us will not make a change until we identify the reason for our lack of thankfulness. When we take the time to find the source, it is not unusual to identify small irritations that have developed into big annoyances.
Gratefulness is like turning on a light in a dark room. It makes a difference in our ability to do life well and it makes us a positive influence on others.
Pastor Bill Ehmann
Once again Pastor Bill, Thank you for those precious words. And I am truly grateful for you and your messages. And for loving my family all these years.