Glory be! God is good.

Hello, and I hope you are well, this almost spring day!

Sometimes, it is easy to give thanks, because it is a natural response to feeling loved and valued and having our needs met! But what about the times when we feel conflicted or wronged or empty and or needy?

To me, the scriptural commandment of being grateful means in part, that giving thanks isn’t just a nice thing to do, like when our parents insisted that we thank someone who complimented us or gave us a gift when we were children.

But rather, it seems the scriptures are talking about giving a certain kind of gratitude, the giving God glory and credit kind that begins the refining process of having all things turned for our good. And that is more an expression of discipline, a chosen power tool in our spiritual toolbox, rather than a simple, memorized, rote expression given because it’s the polite thing to do.

At times, gratitude is the key to opening the door of understanding; Why am I going through this painful experience?

Often, it’s a desperately needed equilibrium gauge; Yes, this is challenging, but look at all the insights and experience I have gained through the other challenges I’ve had in my life.

It’s the heart softener; That internal solvent that allows our current lessons to seep into us, even as our hearts are breaking.

Gratitude is the perspective shift that allows us to forgive.

It is surely the rock on which we stand; Where we maintain our agenthood and not succumb to the power-draining deception of victimhood.

It is the open window; Where God can pour out his voice and blessings and unending love upon our heads, to heal us.

In the times when I have chosen to use gratitude, as the profound, spiritual tool it is, it is as if nothing– no needed growth, no hurdle, no seeming injustice is impossible to overcome.

When I don’t, the world can truly be a dark, painful and foreboding place.

I wish you a day full of Son-shine, of giving gratitude for what is; Of letting the pain and angst of mistakes, of misunderstandings, hurts and anger of the past… go.

All my love to you,

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“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57, KJV, New Testament

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:20, KJV New Testament

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:15, KJV, New Testament

“Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night, Let your hearts rejoice.” 2 Nephi 9:52, The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ

“Verily I say unto you my friends fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;” Doctrine & Covenants 98:1

“And they did admonish their brethren; and they were also admonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins, or to the sins which he had committed, being commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things” Mosiah 26:39, The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ

*italics added by me for emphasis