An Attitude of Gratitude

I find myself often, wishing I had a better attitude. Like I don't have control over it? I have complete control, yet I am choosing not to have a good attitude. "Good" meaning an attitude that displays gratitude. My company had to let three people go yesterday. Very sad, but necessary for the business aspect of things. How often I have taken my job for granted and the blessings that come with it. Wow... I have not had a grateful attitude in the past. Not because I don't like my job, but because I am focused more on the "next" thing or event and not taking time to enjoy the blessings I currently have. So much of my life has been waiting... waiting for the "next" thing or event to happen. What a waste in some ways. Not that I don't need to plan ahead... I do, but I don't want to think life will begin to get great "tomorrow" or "next week". It is great today. I want to be thankful for today. I want to use the time I have in this moment, not always dreaming about the "next".

So, with that said...

Thanks God, for the wonderful job You have given me, for the home I have, for the family I am part of, for the church I attend, for the Salvation You have given me, for the love You bless me with, the friends that You have placed in my life, the car I drive, the food You provide, the puppy that brings me joy, the hobbies that fill my time, the talents I rarely use (sorry), for the eternity I will have someday with You. Sorry I have complained, sorry I have misused the things You have given me, sorry that I have cared more about my agenda or getting somewhere on time than about the person that is standing in front of me... or driving in front of me. May I be more mindful of the daily blessings and be more willing to give of myself for others. Not because I have to, but because I want to.

Love, Me

Psalm 51:1-17

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Psalm 51:1-17

Necessity Verses Luxury

My pastor gave a fantastic sermon this past Sunday about the “Fear of Poverty”. Very interesting. Part of his sermon was about the things we “need” verses the things that are luxuries. Interesting thing to ponder as I got ready this morning... looking at the “luxuries” I use every day thinking they are necessities. Such as: make-up, deodorant, perfume, mirrors, curling iron, hair spray, indoor plumbing, dog treats, my dog, a lunch bag, retractable dog leash, screen door, TV, radio, alarm clock, humidifier, night stand lamp, curtains, blinds, carpet, washer and dryer in my home, electricity, refrigerator, microwave, hot water heater, DVD player, VCR, converter box for the TV, couch, chairs, table... I could go on and on. Because, if I really think about it, I only need what God says I need: protection from the elements and food. That’s it. We live life thinking and desiring things we don’t even need.

So... what am I going to change? Do I have things because I am greedy and selfish or are they things I can consider blessings? I think it is probably both. Because, do I really need four DVD players? Yep... four, for one person, that is a bit excessive right? Grant it, I have one for each TV (ouch, I have 2 TV’s) and then my PS2 can be a DVD player, then I have a portable DVD player. But does that justify my excess? Sure, I count them as blessings, but can they also be a curse?

I don’t think I have to live a life void of any luxuries, but I do wonder what I could give up in order to prioritize my life for Christ. Do I own my possessions, or do they own me?

Thought from a devotional tool I use (www.christnotes.org): Eliminate everything unnecessary in your life in order to put first things first.

Verses to ponder:

19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Luke 18:25