Gratitude and Grace

The Apostle Paul once wrote, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

In his book, Return of the Prodigal, Henri Nouwen makes the claim that gratitude is in many ways a discipline.  It involves a conscious choice. He wrote, “I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of complaint… I can choose to speak about goodness and beauty, even when my inner eye still looks for someone to accuse or something to call ugly. I can choose to listen to the voices that forgive and to look at the faces that smile, even while I still hear words of revenge and see grimaces of hatred… There is always the choice between resentment and gratitude…”

Nouwen goes on to say, “The choice for gratitude rarely comes without some real effort. But each time I make it, the next choice is a little easier, a little freer, a little less self-conscious. Because every gift I acknowledge reveals another and another until, finally, even the most normal, obvious, and seemingly mundane event or encounter proves to be filled with grace.”

As you go through the day today, and then throughout the week, try to be aware of all the occasions in which you can choose gratitude. Especially be mindful during those difficult, stressful moments. And as you do, may notice grace abounding.

Let us pray: We acknowledge, O God, that in the midst of the busyness of everyday life, it is easy to lose sight of your hand at work in our lives and in the world. Especially in the tense, angst-filled moments, help us to choose to look for the gifts and to give thanks. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.