December 20th, Advent Day 24
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than angels and crowned them with glory and honor.
Psalm 8:3-5
God looks out for us. God wants the best for us. Each and every one of us is made in God’s image.
But how do we look after ourselves? I know that most of us try to eat right and exercise.
I try to look after my spiritual self as well as my physical self. It can be pretty simple, reading scripture daily, journaling, and having an active prayer life. What more can we do?
About four years ago, I made an effort to add gratitude into my daily life. It all started with a book, Everyday Gratitude: Inspiration for Living Life as a Gift. It is a small book filled with sayings from people of all faiths.
Gratitude changes people. When there is gratitude, there is kindness, compassion, respect, and a concern for the common good.
Krisit Nelson, the executive director of A Network for Grateful Living, says the following: "That life is a gift and that small, grateful acts everyday can uplift us, make a difference for others and help change the world. What we call gratefulness arises when we are connected to the “great-fullness” and privileges of our lives…Gratefulness can help us see opportunities and gifts even in our difficulties…In short, gratefulness can make us happier.”
Lord, we pray that your grace may always proceed and follow us, encouraging us to be a grateful and thankful people. Amen.