My ex husband used to say, “Always leave with a good taste in your mouth, Deb.” There’s a lot of wisdom in that statement. I knew it then and I know it now. I haven’t always been able to do it, heaven knows I’ve been known to pitch a fit or two, but mainly I make an effort for my own sake. When you leave with a good taste in your mouth you aren’t creating any more baggage to carry into the future. I’m trying to get rid of the baggage I’ve got. I don’t want to create any more. Gratitude helps with that. It helps lighten the load, lighten the load and a whole lot more.
1Thessalonian 5:18 says “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” No matter what has happened in my life it is gratitude that has set me free and broken the barrier of fear that would hold me hostage to the past. It’s easier to be thankful when you are thankful, when you make it a daily habit. There are so many things to give thanks for when you start really paying attention and staying present to the moment.
Rev. John D. Payne of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church wrote, “It’s said that gratitude may be the purest measure of one’s character and spiritual condition.”It is gratitude that allows me to witness the everyday miracles in my life. It is gratitude that keeps my soul unfettered and free that I might sing a Song of God with my life as it is. My life is what it is. The past is the past and the future is yet to be. The only moment I have is this one and it is here where I seek the Grace of God with a grateful heart. Thank you God for this moment and all that it is. It is enough and I am deeply grateful.
