Give thanks with a Grateful Heart

Let us walk with Emily for a minute or two:

Its a miserable, windy morning. Reluctantly, Emily ventures into the garden. She takes a tiny breath of fresh air, but gets annoyed when the chilly breeze scratches her face. Staring at the powder blue sky, she curses loudly: “Why does it have to be so windy? Couldn't God plan this weird weather on another day? Couldn't He just wait until tomorrow? Now, I'll have to kiss weeding the garden goodbye!” Emily makes her way back to the Den angry and frustrated. But before she can count to ten, she's halted in her tracks by a voice:“ Why are you so ungrateful? Do you have no regard for my creation?” Suddenly, her hands start to tremble. Without warning, she bows her head in shame as words tumble out of her mouth: “I'm sorry Lord. I'm truly sorry! Please forgive me for being selfish and ungrateful. Please forgive me for offending you”. Emily eyes her surroundings and then hesitates as if she's waiting for something to happen. Even so, she has no idea what she's waiting for. All of a sudden, a tear trickles down her cheek. And then tears just start to stream down her cheeks as if a dam wall is bursting. But, she doesn't even use the back of her hand to wipe away any tears. No! She just allows the tears to flow freely like a river. For some or other reason, Emily finds herself rooted to the spot in the garden. And weird still, deep down it feels as if she's standing on Holy ground. She takes a peek at the sky and then smiles at the enormity of it all. But, the aroma of lavender, rosemary and thyme rocks her back to her senses. Then it happens! Out of the blue, the wind that played havoc in the garden a few minutes ago, calms down abruptly. Emily clutches her chest in utter amazement. She frowns and then smiles. But this time the smile is more, one of acceptance. It is also an acknowledgement of how wonderful God is. In fact, its the realisation that God is showing her, He's still in charge. Yes,that He is in charge of this universe and her destiny. Emily takes a few steps until she reaches the Den. It takes her a while to gather her thoughts. In the end, she flips out a pen and scribbles a few words on the notepad :” Lord, what an awesome God you are! You – The One, who created the flowers, wind, rain, birds and bees. And more specifically, Thank you Lord for creating someone as fallible and unique as me”.

Very often we act like Emily when things don't go our way at a particular time. We get irritable if we don't get what we want and sometimes its only natural to act in that manner because we are only human. There are times we are ungrateful because we want things to fall into place to suit our time frames, but God has other plans for us. More importantly, God always does things in His time, and not ours. Very often God does this, just to show us who's in charge and to test our faith in his abilities. Emily's revelation is so true. We are unique human beings with a number of faults. But, we are also people who can change.

Bible Verse:

Gratefulness:This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it... Ps118vs24

Prayer: O, Lord teach us to be grateful for everything you have done and given us. Lord let us not take anything for granted. Never let us forget who You really are. Thank you Lord for all the blessings you always give us so freely. Amen

Questions to Ponder:

1.Why do you think Emily's attitude changed?
2.What are the lessons that you can draw from her experience?
3.What are you grateful for today?


A grateful heart,
Cheryl Jacobs