October 9, 2026
Gratitude
Every time I allow myself to focus on what I do not have, on an offense or worry, or I stray too far into worldly interests, my life spirals. When I smile, trust God and believe fully He is in control, I enjoy hope and anticipation. It is beneficial to keep a positive outlook on life. Viewing everyone as we believe God sees them allows us to see their inner beauty, their kindness, hopeful attempts at godly living, and true heart. When we look for mistakes, reasons for offense, or hateful behavior, we will surely find it.
Live looking for beauty!
Expectancy is a huge motivator! When we believe God is good, that He wants to bless us outrageously, we live anticipating blessings. We live knowing nothing can come against us that God can’t handle. These thoughts put an end to negative views and attitudes. Life is good. Relationships sustain us and God’s blessings are everywhere. Complaining is a waste of time, and it shows God our lack of appreciation.
Even when we see cultural changes we don’t like, financial challenges that make life more intense, and bewildering human behavior, we cannot forget to be grateful. We are blessed with music, talent, nature, pets, friends, family and thousands of other miracles. We enjoy blue skies, wide oceans, theater, and opera. If one type of entertainment isn’t what we like, we switch to another. Cultures evolve. People change. Generations come along, thinking they will fix everything by changing everything. If there is a lot of pushback, things can get cantankerous.
No matter what growing pains we go through, we need to thank God, pray for others, and remember God holds everything in His hands. We develop gratitude muscles by thanking Him daily. Expressing thanks to God leads to telling others we appreciate them, their prayers, their gifts and their love.
Lord, I am so grateful for Your presence in my life. I thank You for sunrises, for brilliant red sunsets, for wide blue skies and ocean beaches. My dog. Thank You, God, for my dog. Patience, love and unconditional acceptance. I think maybe You put dogs here so thy could show us just how healing pure love can be. Help me to understand how important it is for people to be accepted and approved of. Let me choose to love others in ways that bless and expand.
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7