Embracing Gratitude in Life's Rush: Reflecting on Thankfulness and Letting Go

We want to challenge us all to pause and reflect on Gratitude in our lives. So easy to rush into each day, the task list in hand and our focus on the challenges ahead.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We try to make this a practice of naming what we are grateful for, and many of you may do the same. We all have things to be thankful for when we think about it.

One question we are also asking ourselves this week. Are there some things in our lives that we need to let go of to make more room for gratitude in our hearts?

Remember the story about the servant who was forgiven of his debts…he seemed pretty grateful to have a second chance. But, it doesn’t seem his heart changed because he immediately went to another who owed him and beat him and requested what was owed!

Guys, are we holding on to things that aren’t leaving room for gratitude in our lives? Speaking only for ourselves, we spend too much time and energy focusing on things happening TO US…things others are doing. We should spend more energy on what God wants us to focus on!

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” Colossians 3:17

We also realize that many endure difficult times, struggles, and pain. Maybe you are going through something right now. Referencing our “Fist Bump” last week, maybe you were thrown a curveball in life? It is not easy to focus on gratitude during difficult times…This causes us to reflect on Jesus, who gave thanks just hours before he knew he would be sacrificed on the cross during the Last Supper. Knowing that the bread represented his body that would be broken and the cup represented his blood that would soon be shed.

We were reminded this weekend, not ever to get comfortable with the significance of that event. The worst and most humiliating way to die. They are very powerful guys. Take a moment to let that sink in. Yet, Jesus was grateful.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16