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Gratitude Is Powerful but Also Tasty

August 18, 2015 By Jean Wise

healthyspirituality.org

Our pastor shared this story last Sunday that has lingered with me this week. He was preaching on the text:

Giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5: 20

I really do believe in the power of gratitude but never really considered how being thankful also adds joyous seasoning to my life too. Here is the story he shared:

The late Dr. Fulton Oursler used to tell of an old woman who took care of him when he was a child. His caregiver not only expressed her thanks, but felt it and lived it each moment. You see, Anna was a former American slave who, after emancipation, was hired by the family for many years.

He remembered her sitting at the kitchen table, her hands folded and her eyes gazing upward as she prayed, “Much obliged, Lord, for my vittles.” He asked her what vittles were and she replied that they were food and drink. He told her that she would get food and drink whether or not she gave thanks, and Anna said, “Yes, we’ll get our vittles, but it makes ‘em taste better when we’re thankful.”

Everything tastes better when we are thankful. Lots of truth in that statement.

Not only does gratitude add flavor and color to our lives, I believe it protects our heart and mind too.

I know when I practice gratitude there is less chance that despair or disillusionment will dig their claws into my spirit. I have heard that discouragement seeds won’t grow in the heart of a grateful person.

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”

A.A. Milne

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.

Williams Arthur Ward

The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.

Henri Nouwen

Everything tastes better with gratitude. Spice up your life today and be thankful.

What is something lately that you are grateful for?

 

 

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Filed Under: spiritual practices

Comments

  1. Jen Ferguson says

    August 20, 2015 at 10:49 am

    This is so lovely, Jean. I find myself often thanking God for things all the time (like my car starting). When I thank Him for the mundane (but oh so necessary), I find that my heart is lighter much of the time. When I stop, I seem to quickly get overwhelmed by everything big looming. If I can find thanksgiving in the littles, the big don’t seem so big anymore.

    • blankJean Wise says

      August 21, 2015 at 5:23 pm

      You know Jen it is those little things when we pay attention and thanks our Papa, it pleases him. He is always so present – those little reminders make me smile. You are right so = our hearts become lighter. Have a wonderful weekend.Jen

  2. blankMartha Orlando says

    August 18, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    I practice that gratitude attitude on a daily basis, Jean. It truly does give life such incredible joy even in the tough times. Oh, and I’m grateful for too many things to count right now! Blessings!

    • blankJean Wise says

      August 21, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      Gratitude is so powerful. When we focus on that, the other stuff seems to fade. Have a great weekend Martha

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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