“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” – Philippians 4:11-12
My daughters have a very active schedule. School, homework, dance team, softball, theatre, and church keep them busy. My wife and I spend much of our time coordinating our calendars and driving them to each practice, program, game, and youth group event. It takes some effort, no doubt.
At the end of each day, my girls are tired (and so are their parents). They are usually ready to get in the car, eat dinner, and sleep. But, before we ever get back in the car, we always ask them, “Did you tell your teacher/leader/coach thank you?” Often, they will say thank you before we ask, but a gentle reminder is sometimes needed.
We want our children to be grateful in all they do. It is not always easy. Sometimes, practices are hard, and events don’t have the outcome that they desire. Even when some things don’t turn out the way we had envisioned they would, there are still things to be grateful for in every situation of our lives.
Expressing our gratitude is a habit. Like any good habit, developing this action as a natural routine in our lives takes time. Each day, at the end of one of our girls’ events, we remind them to practice gratitude. It is a life-long habit that we want them to develop. It is just as important as good grades or a strong performance on the stage.
How are you practicing your gratitude? Even as adults, we need to be intentional about developing good habits. When we express our gratitude, it reminds us of our blessings, even in the middle of our busy lives that demand so much from each of us. I hope today you will continue to develop your habit of gratitude. Tell someone “Thank you” today. It is a habit that will change our lives and our world for the better.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
