Often we complain and grumble at the slightest discomfort we face. We focus on the ‘would haves’ and ‘could haves’ without pausing to reflect and give thanks for what we DO have in the here and now. Do we not complain in our trials to others or to ourselves? For example, when we are ill. We focus on what has gone wrong. Do we give thanks in the areas of our health that we DO have? What a stark contrast to how Jesus dealt with the problem of feeding the 5000. Jesus focused and gave thanks for what he had. How would we have responded? Jesus gave thanks to God knowing
that the 5 loaves and 2 fish would ‘somehow’ feed them. He had a heart of thanksgiving. Let us learn to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving. St. Paul asks us to be thankful in all circumstances. It may not come naturally, but with practice we can become the people that God can move through. One thankful instance at a time. Let us eventually become so thankful that it will have a spillover effect on those whom we encounter.

Prayer: Abba Father, may our thankful hearts be a pleasing aroma to you. Amen.