Thursday, November 15, 2012

Grateful vs. Ungrateful

For many generations, children have been taught manners and to say please and thank you - and really mean it.  There’s nothing like hearing AND saying “Thank you!  Thank you very much!” when it’s said with a truly grateful heart.  It puts a smile on the face of both the giver and the receiver! 

So, it’s rather disheartening when you see some kids (and adults) today that seem to feel like they’re owed nice things and have a right to receive them.  Sometimes they even complain when they’re given a gift that’s not exactly what they wanted – and expected. 

Upon reflecting on this, I realized that we, too, sometimes act like spoiled, ungrateful children when it comes to our relationship with God.  Imagine how He must feel when we neglect to thank Him and take what He gives us for granted.  Sometimes we even get mad at Him if He doesn’t give us exactly what we want! 

Just like any good parent teaches their child to have manners and a grateful attitude, God does the same with us.  In fact, He commands us to give thanks!    

So, this Thanksgiving and Christmas and throughout the year, let’s examine our hearts and ask God to forgive any ungratefulness we have and to help us renew our commitment to give Him, and others, our heartfelt gratitude. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Striving for an attitude of gratitude…
With love,
Martha
 
Copyright © 2012 Martha Hadley. All rights reserved 

“Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion.  Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception.  Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude.  Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road.”  John Henry Jowett, minister of Westminster Chapel, London 1918-1922