Gratitude Expressed

I heard a quote not long ago that said, “Gratitude not expressed is the same as ingratitude”. I have been on a mission to express my gratitude to the Lord for all He is doing and has done in my life. I’m also trying to be deliberate at expressing my gratitude to others who have blessed me in one way or another.  There is something that changes deep within my soul when I realize and remember what others have graciously done for me – especially the blessings of the Lord.

Jesus was always teaching His disciples about gratitude. I’m not sure they always understood. Check this out…

⁶ Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. ⁷ While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.

⁸ The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. ⁹ “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”

¹⁰ But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? ¹¹ You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. ¹² She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. ¹³ I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” (Matthew 26:6-13 NLT)

There are two grateful people in this part of the story. First, Simon, who had previously had leprosy. I bet Jesus healed him previously of leprosy. Second, the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. I believe that she had felt the grace and forgiveness of Jesus.

I think it’s profoundly important to express gratitude regularly and often.

I think it’s important to start my day with gratitude. I always have something and someone to be grateful for. The old hymn said, “Count your blessings, name them one by one and see what God has done”.

I want to express my gratitude to the Lord for His Presence and His blessing upon me and my family. I am blessed well beyond what I deserve. I’m humbled and grateful and I don’t mind telling Him often.

Pressing On!

Dwayne