Face-timing daughters
A helpful husband that is physically strong and can move furniture
Worship music that makes me cry
Really good coffee
Dogs that are not smelly
Friends that make it a point to remember small things
Driving in to a tidy garage
Finding out there is an additional discount on a sale item at the register
Dark chocolate
Ever have those moments where it seems that there are a million things to do and a million roles to play and you just can't do it all? Life gets hectic, things don't go our way, and before we know it we find ourselves in a downward spiral of self-criticism. Yet it is in these moments that I have grown to value and practice the discipline of gratitude. I've learned that in the midst of what may appear to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day (hey, I am a former preschool and kindergarten teacher) there is always something to be grateful for. It took a mere three minutes for me to think of the ten things I've listed above, and almost instantaneously, my heart has been realigned to focus on our good, good Father.
Gratitude is a discipline. One can choose to have a positive perspective and a posture of heart that says, "Lord, I choose to be content." I am not advocating denial or turning a blind eye, as our God is a God of comfort who welcomes our laments. But in realizing that He has the power to give and take away, we must consciously choose to submit out of resilient faith that proclaims His sovereignty in all situations. In the moments where we realize we do not have control over the situation, we have the opportunity to thank our God who is always in control. Gratitude, then, is a gateway to worship. When we acknowledge that God's ways are higher than our ways and ask Him to refocus our eyes, our attitudes are almost always instantaneously shifted. Sincere gratitude can turn a complaining heart into a heart full of joy and hope.
And so I encourage you to practice the art of gratitude in solitude and in community. Whether it's when you are waking up or getting ready for bed, at the dinner table with your kids or are in the middle of a stressful situation, may you come before the Lord in prayer and reflection. For in choosing to proclaim His faithfulness and sovereignty over our complaints, hurts and fears, we not only honor God but maintain a posture of heart that is ready to love and serve others.
Irene Kano
Preschool Director