Seeking an attitude of gratitude

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Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Developing an attitude of gratitude is something powerful that we are able to do in our lives.

Last week, I discussed how all is gift. When we encounter the world with this attitude, everything that I have received is a gift from God, we are able to be thankful.

The words, “rejoice in the Lord always,” were words that Paul wrote in a prison cell for living the Gospel. This living led him to find a deeply grateful heart.

What hobbies bring you gratitude?

One of my favorite hobbies is to play drums, either the African Djembes or a Steel Tongue Drum.

Music is one of those deeply spiritual connections that most of us have. If we don’t play or sing music, most people like listening to music of some sorts.

When I share music, it is about sharing the deep love inside of me and the deep feelings to the world whether in instrument or sung song. It is a form of gratitude that allows me to rejoice in the Lord.

With yourself, where do you nurture gratitude and joy?

Some people write a gratitude journal with daily entries of God’s grace every day. Imagine writing down 1-5 things each day that you are grateful for at the end of the night. It gives us a reflection on the blessings that God has given us.

For me, I try to wake up and take a moment to smile before getting out of bed. Doing these things, we meet the day accepting God’s grace that is ever present to us.

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer.” God’s presence is enough for us. That is what we are most thankful to have.

God is here for us and present for us with grace and love. That is enough.

Here is a suggestion for practicing gratefulness and nourishing the attitude of gratitude. This upcoming week or longer, either wake up in the morning and smile or try waking up and saying to yourself, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

Both practices bring forth an attitude of gratitude. Try it out for yourself.

Joel Richter is Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Wilmington.

This weekly column is provided to the News Journal on a monthly rotation basis by members of the Wilmington Area Ministerial Association.

By Joel Richter

Contributing columnist

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