Gratitude & Grace

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. It can help us appreciate what we have, recognize the blessings that God has given us, and share them with others who may not have the same access to resources that we do.

For the past few weeks I’ve been organizing an event to give myself, as well as a few family members and friends an opportunity to serve some of our brothers and sisters in need. It never dawned on me that it would fall on #SuperSunday but God knew what He was doing. It was chilly and rainy, but while folks waited in line to get pizza and wings for their Super Bowl party, me and my crew passed out pizza, snacks, clean clothes and hot coffee under the bridge downtown. Honestly it was magical.

To see those smiles and hear the stories of our people who are going through a rough time and being able to be a bright spot in their week was so touching. As I interacted with them, I was reminded of the song that says “it could have been me outdoors with no food and no clothes, but I want to say thank you Lord for all You’ve done for me”. I realized how much God has done for me, and how much He loves me, even when I don’t deserve it.

I’m thankful that God has blessed me with resources, abilities, and a heart to be a blessing to others. I’m thankful that He has called me to be a Christian life coach and a community leader, and to show His love and grace to all people, regardless of their background, situation, or status. I believe that everyone is my brother and sister in Christ, and that I have a responsibility to care for them as I would for myself.

I want to encourage you, my friends around the globe, to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your own life. Take some time to reflect on the goodness of God, and how He has been faithful to you in every season. Thank Him for the things He’s has done for you, big and small. Thank Him for the people that He has placed in your life. And don’t forget to express your gratitude to others, not just by words, but deeds. And please when you can, share what you have with those who are less fortunate.

Gratitude is not just a feeling, it’s a choice. It’s a choice to acknowledge the Source of all our blessings, and to respond with generosity and kindness. It’s a choice to live with joy and peace, and to spread that to others. It’s a choice to honor God, and to glorify Him with our lives.

Let us choose gratitude today, and every day, and see how it changes us and the world around us. Allow God to use you to be an instrument of good in the life of someone else. Care and share right where you are. That could be the very mark that will never be erased. God bless you!