Choosing Gratitude

About 9 weeks ago I had surgery on my knee.  I had told my husband if I was going to have surgery,I wanted  him beside me for the whole week. In at least the 4 to six weeks after surgery Steve turned the dining room table into his center of operations. His computer was always in easy reach and books lay on the table often in piles of 2 or 3. Although his cell phone rang more than once a day and he also made outgoing calls, technological gizmos were not his focus. I was. He would bring me a meal or a drink or offer an ice pack for the knee. He would often guide me through the assigned exercises. I was quick to say thank you when he performed each of his little acts of kindness. He did this so much sometimes the echo of the last thank you had not died away when the next one was needed,

Recently I picked up a book called Choosing Gratitude. I turned to the forward written by Joni Eareckson Tada. Unlike me whose need for ongoing help will last a limited amount of time, Joni's need for help in accomplishing the most basic of tasks is  ongoing and will not stop. The words "thank you" are constantly on her lips as people serve her. Joni then expresses regret that no matter how programmed we may be to express thanksgiving to those around us we are rarely quick enough to express thanksgiving to God for the multitude of blessings he showers on us through out our days.

Have you been overwhelmed by the command to pray without ceasing? I Thessalonians 5:16-18 states that we are to " rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Yes my husband has provided me with great cause for thanksgiving and thank him I should. All those blessings that come from him however pale in light of all that God daily showers on us. Expressing thanksgiving to God solves the mystery of how we can pray without ceasing. May I always choose gratitude as I remember the giver of all good gifts.

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