Gratitude.

For those of you that don’t know, our church has been without a pastor for almost 2 years now. For the most part, the leadership team has shared the responsibility of giving the sermons on Sunday mornings. As part of the leadership team, this means that I do this regularly. Today was one of those days.

I spoke about gratitude, and what it means to be grateful. Gratitude has two parts; one, that you recognize that there are valuable things in your life and two, that you recognize these things come from outside of yourself. This translates into thankfulness and appreciation, otherwise known as gratitude. We looked at a story in the Bible about ten lepers who were healed by Jesus yet only one of them came back to thank him. It made me wonder how often this must happen. God gives us so many good things and blesses us in so many different ways, yet we often either fail to see these things or fail to thank Him for them. In my own life I likened it to holding the door open for somebody and them not saying thank you or even acknowledging you. I often hold the door open for people and sometimes those people just pass right by without so much as a look my way. Honestly it frustrates me when that happens, but again I think how often this must happen to God. How often does he do something simple yet kind for us and we just pass right by him without even a look his way? Please don’t misunderstand me. This is not something I’m accusing others of doing without first pointing the finger right at myself. I’m sure I often fail to thank, or even acknowledge, many (or possibly even most) of the things that God does for me.

The interesting thing is, that gratitude has significant positive impacts in our life. Research studies have shown numerous ways that being grateful benefits us. It can make us happier, healthier, improve our relationships, make us better workers, and even make our memories happier. Gratitude is something that not only benefits those we show it to, but benefits ourselves as well. Yet so often many of us fail to do it.

This isn’t just important between us and God either. It’s important between us and those in our lives as well. I know, it seems obvious right? But sometimes it’s easy to take things for granted when it comes from those closest to us.

During our church service this morning, we took time to share things that we’re grateful for. I personally shared about everything you’ve been reading on this blog, and then some. The truth of it is, that many of you reading this are only getting a small little glimpse into what’s going on in our life. There is so much more that I don’t talk about here, and if I shared everything I’d have to quit my day job just to write this blog. I ended the sermon by asking everyone to take some time this week to write a letter to God expressing what they’re thankful for. I want to take this opportunity to share just that with all of you as well.

First, I’d like to share my gratitude to God. Julia and I didn’t know exactly how all of this would play out. We had an idea and we knew the possibilities, but you just don’t know for sure. As you can tell from my posts, things have gone exceptionally well and we have been extremely blessed with how well Elijah is doing. Really, if I had to think of something that could have gone better or could be better, it would be a struggle to come up with much. This is what we prayed for, and what I know that many of you out there have been praying for as well. God has heard those prayers and has been gracious to us. I’m so thankful that he’s made this as positive as it has been and as easy as it has been for us.

A big part of that is the people that he’s put in our lives and everything that they’ve done for us as well. People have sent cards and balloons. Others have sent or brought presents. Some have brought food, or come to just spend time with us. Some have donated money to help us with expenses and providing memorable experiences for Elijah. Some have provided child care for one or both of our kids. Some have called us on the phone or have posted encouraging comments on this blog. Many have prayed. The list goes on and all of these things are special, meaningful, and a blessing to us. We have been supported by so many, in so many different ways, and we have so much to be thankful for. You have all helped to make this a positive experience, not only for Elijah, but also for Julia and I, as well as Abigail. We are so grateful for all of you and for everything you have done to help us on this journey. There are some things we must deal with that only God can control, but there are so many other things that we know He is using all of you to help us with. So thank you. We love all of you and we are grateful for each and everyone of you!