What are you thankful for today? Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays cause us to reflect primarily on the people in our lives we are most grateful for.
Thankful for ourself, but not others
But be honest, how often during the year do you make excuses for your own behavior while prosecuting the behavior of others? I hate excuses – unfortunately I’m probably pretty good at finding them. I see this through my son who acts too much like me sometimes. Now, I’m actually pretty good at extending grace to others for poor behavior – maybe it’s making probable excuses for them. (Though I’m not without my own share of criticism). But most people can instinctively point the finger outward in another direction.
Thankful for others, but not ourself
Alternatively, how often do you look at what others around you are accomplishing and feel like you don’t quite measure up? We are pretty consistent in thinking others have what it takes but somehow deciding we don’t have the talent, the position, the passion, or the purpose. (Remember where the grass is supposed to be greener?) Maybe we think we aren’t special or worthy, but each of us is created for a specific purpose.
Thankful, grateful to God in all
What if we can learn to be grateful for the good things God has given us while extending grace to others? Wouldn’t that be the prize in life? Well, that doesn’t quite get us there. Let me explain.
When a problem arises, are you thankful or do you wish it would go away? When conflict comes, are you thankful or do you wish it had never been? When a roadblock stands in your path, are you thankful or do you wish it could just be moved? When you face tough decisions, are you thankful or do you wish there was one obvious path?
A problem allows us to learn how to solve.
A conflict teaches us to resolve.
A roadblock helps us to climb.
Tough decisions develop our discernment.
What else does God put in your path to grow you, to develop those qualities you can’t just be given?
Courage, from…
Patience, from…
Forgiveness, from…
Empathy, from…
…
Thank you!
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