A Thanksgiving Secret Exposed

I have to admit that I have struggled in the area of gratitude. I have taken for granted things that other people have done for me as if I deserved their kindness. When my desires failed to materialize I was amazed as if God had not recognized that I am the queen of the universe. When I look back at my attitude I feel ashamed at how ugly I behaved. If I had understood that everything I receive including the breath of life is a gift, perhaps I would not have expected toys at Christmas and my delight at receiving them would have been sweeter.

I am thankful that God taught me to look through new eyes at all of the blessings in my life. Learning the meaning of gratitude was a painful experience. I had mistreated a relationship but when I no longer had that person in my life I realized that I had taken for granted that the person’s smile would always light my day. When I ranted my complaints in unloving ways and failed to say I love you, I must have thought I would have forever to apologize and would be able to express my love some other day. But sometimes that day never comes.

Since then I have learned to be more appreciative of the good things that come into my life. I try to view the relationships in my life as flowers that need the water of kindness and the sun of gratitude.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father… (James 1:17)