Friendships, sunsets, home cooked meals, love, work, freedom, family – these are just a few of the parts of our lives that we often take for granted. We just feel like they will always be there. It seems they have no beginning so they also have no end. When we have this idea, we also lack gratefulness. If something will always be there, there is always time to say thank you. There will always be a new day to show our gratitude. There will be tomorrow. And that works fine until that isn’t true any longer.
Our lives are packed with change. As much as we try and control what is going on in our world, there are elements that are beyond our grasp. They slip through our fingers like fine sand when we least expect. And then, we wish we had been more grateful.
Instead of waiting until it is too late, why not take a moment to be grateful today? Why not spend a few moments each day to express thanks? It could be as simple as acknowledging what we have around us that is beautiful and treasured. It could be spending a few extra moments with a friend or picking up a special flower for a family member. It could be that we just stopped in the rush of our day to send a note of gratitude. Often taking a moment to consider what we have that we really do value is a point of awakening. It is a jolt into the realization of the gifts held in each new day.
May we take a moment and realize the treasures unfolding right before our eyes. May our hearts feel the warmth of love. May we sense the forgotten. And may we live grateful today.
Focus Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 