Thoughts on Gratitude

In a recent Quiet Time (morning devotion) I read in Micah 7:18 that God delights in showing mercy. I was able to thank God for that truth, but it also made me question myself about the things that bring me delight. So I started to assemble a gratitude list. It was easy at first but then got harder once I was past the obvious things. Some of what I came up with are listed below (along with a few new thoughts as I wrote this article).

God’s gift of salvation for me

God’s gift of salvation for my husband

God’s gift of one daughter’s recent prayer to accept Christ as her Savior

God’s gift that our other daughter has accepted Christ as her Savior

God’s gift of His Word

God’s Holy Spirit’s workings in my life

The peace we can have through Christ

The hope we have because of Christ

God’s forgiveness of my transgressions

God’s mercy toward me

Having the husband that I do

Having the children that I do

Having a specific friend for over 35 years

Having a God-believing church in my own neighborhood to attend

Having income to support us

Having children who are or will be college graduates

For my AA friends

For my AA sponsor

For my therapist who happens to be a Christian

For the adventures that come from trusting God

God’s sustenance when I’m feeling low

For the promise given to Abraham that also applies to us

For answered prayer

For the talents and skills He’s given me

That my God is an all-powerful God

That my God is an all-knowing God

That my God is an ever-present God

For the vehicles we have to drive

For the house we live in

For the computers I use to write this blog (and other things)

For Christian friends near and far

For the woman who originally shared the gospel with me

For my college degrees and education

For my illnesses that keep me humble

For wise doctors that aid in my care

For successful surgeries (hands, back, C-section, eyes)

There are many more but right now I’m done writing them down. Maybe some of the things I’m grateful for sparked some gratitude of your own. Remember to thank God each day.