‘In some parts of Mexico hot springs and cold springs are found side by side – and because of the convenience of this natural occurrence the women often bring their laundry and boil their clothes in the hot springs and then rinse them in the cold ones. A tourist, who was watching this procedure commented to his Mexican friend and guide: “I imagine that they think old Mother Nature is pretty generous to supply such ample, clean hot and cold water here side by side for their free use.” the guide replied, “No senor, there is much grumbling because she supplies no soap.”
[Illustration Unlimited: James Hewett]
How often do we find ourselves grumbling about life, when if we would only open our eyes, we would see we have been given so much?
In life we can have one of two attitudes; we can be grateful or ungrateful.
People who live with an ungrateful attitude are always waiting for something bigger and better to come along before they’ll be thankful. But a grateful attitude lifts you up because you are thankful for the little miracles of life that come along every day.
Yes, we are living in a global pandemic, but God’s provision for us remains the same; the sun still shines, the rain still falls, crops are being harvested and there is food on our tables. James 1:16-17 tells us; ‘Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ [NIV-UK]
When you have a grateful heart, you are looking past the hills of everyday problems, and toward the heavens from where your true help really comes. We should be grateful that the Lord we serve has the capability to handle anything and everything that life can throw at us, and all we have to do is shown a bit of appreciation to a God who gives us everything.
God loves a cheerful servant as well as a cheerful giver. Every church family has its ‘Doubting Thomas’ or it’s ‘Miserable Mary’. To see them and listen to them is like witnessing an autopsy or diving into the sea on a winter’s day; not enjoyable! God wants His family to be happy, and that means that each member must contribute to the joy. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ [NIV-UK]
A final question: Do you lead a life that is full of gratitude and thanksgiving to God for all that you have?
Pastor Steve