𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can't be shaken, let's continue to express our gratitude. With this gratitude, let's serve in a way that is pleasing to God with respect and awe," (Hebrews 12:28 CEB)

As a Christian, I believe there's a difference between being thankful and being grateful. I'm thankful for my morning coffee, but I'm grateful that God allowed me another day in which to drink it. I'm thankful for my husband of 44 years,

but I'm grateful that the Lord chose him to weave into my life story. I'm thankful for the 3 darling fur-kids snoozing at my side, but I'm grateful that the Father saw me fit to be their guardian.

In a way, gratefulness is to thankfulness as the boiled chocolate icing is on the moist, double-chocolate cake. There's a deeper, soul-baring meaning to gratefulness I believe most of us don't achieve often enough. Scripture is full of verses that remind us to be thankful (Psalm 106:47) and to give thanks in all circumstances (Philippians 4:6).  And while, to me, thankfulness comes from the head and mind, gratitude comes from a place far deeper, from the heart and soul.

The author of Hebrews 12 makes it abundantly clear that this gift we call Christianity is one deserving of our deepest gratitude. This new covenant is part of God's eternal plan. In Greek versions, the language expresses a deeper, more passionate form of gratitude often lost in translation. We have been given the privilege of following Christ who offers eternal life. For that alone, nothing but profound gratitude should be in the deepest most inner pockets of our hearts.

The Apostle Paul urged the Thessalonians, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18), reminding them to remember from where their blessings came. But, when we consider expressing gratitude, as the message to the Hebrews implored, "With this gratitude, 𝙡𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙂𝙤𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙬𝙚," (Hebrews 12:28b emphasis added) we're called to embody gratitude in everything we do and every fibre of our being. Gratitude is the fulfillment of our abiding love, highest reverence, and deepest devotion to our Father.

We know and understand that Paul taught us to be thankful IN ALL circumstances. That in itself is a difficult undertaking when the circumstances are hard or dark or painful. But, the ultimate act of gratitude is as vital to our lives as the very air we breathe. God has promised us eternal life; there is no other greater gift. And, while we are ever thankful for the food on our table, the family and friends in our lives, and the abundance of material comforts, let our hearts and souls exude the depths of gratefulness, each and every day, for the privilege of belonging to an all powerful, faithful, and loving God.

🐾💗🐾

PAWS TO PRAY

Father God,

Throughout our lives, You have been and will always be our Provider. The abundance of blessings You shower over us is indescribable. More than thankful Lord, we are profoundly grateful for the bounty we enjoy in Your presence each and every day.

In Jesus' most Holy name we pray,

Amen

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𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒀𝒐𝒖 & 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝑩𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔