The new year approaches, and I have awakened from a dream with a new sense of purpose. As I look back on the old year(s) I see that I have often set goals that were self-focused, selfish. They might have been framed in a way that would look good to others, but stripped of the facade they were . . . about me. It is time, past time, that I set a worthy goal, not just for this year but for the rest of my life. My new goal is to be GRATEFUL!
The Bible says to Rejoice in the LORD always and that is what I intend to do. Gratitude takes the focus away from me and directs it to my Creator and Savior. It reminds me that HE does not owe me anything, I but I owe HIM everything. That even when I am expressing gratitude for what others have done, it flows through HIM. If not for HIM I would not be alive to receive, have the mind to appreciate, or the strength to enjoy anything done for me.
So, JESUS, I am GRATEFUL for the new life you have given me by saving me. I am GRATEFUL for the things I have and will not focus on what I do not have or on what others have. I am GRATEFUL for the faithful friends I have and with not waste my emotions on lost friends. I am GRATEFUL for today, for this moment, and will not waste sleep on the past, even the past day. I am GRATEFUL for the health I have and will enjoy it and not get lost in former health. Most of all, JESUS, I am grateful for you because even though I have been a poor friend, you have been faithful to me.
I have so much more to be GRATEFUL for, but that’s ok, because I am GRATEFUL for the opportunities I have and will have to be GRATEFUL.