The Attitude is ………….. !
Today’s message was written by guest pastor, Rev. Eric Wogen.
A good friend of mine, who has faced a significant number of health challenges through the years, never ceases to amaze me by how well he deals with adversity. Tough circumstances that may have quickly torpedoed and sunk some, failed to get the best of him. He regularly greets each new day with optimism and hope.
When asked how he was able to maintain his upbeat perspective, in spite of all he had endured, he told me this story.
Years ago, as a much younger man, his life had reached a terribly low point. Personal problems had drained him of much that makes life meaningful. He wasn’t sure he could carry on. Each day looked bleak and those to come looked even bleaker.
It was a rather crusty, old Roman Catholic priest who turned his life around by sharing four memorable words. Those words were these – THE ATTITUDE IS GRATITUDE!
From that time on, my good friend viewed life through new eyes.
Did his hardships disappear? No.
Was he now on easy street? No.
Were his days unencumbered by the unexpected and unwanted? No.
What changed was his perspective. His sights were now focused on life’s blessings. While not immured to trying times, he was not consumed by them.
Living each day with gratitude can do wonders for all of us. Appreciating what God has provided and returning thanks for his abiding love can bring an enduring brightness to even the darkest days. So, my friends, whether you are cruising the mountaintops or trudging through the valleys, remember these four, hope-filled words– THE ATTITUDE IS GRATITUDE!
Let us pray: Some days are diamonds and some days are stones, Lord, but every day is precious because it comes from you. Enable us always to live thankfully and gratefully, confident that you equip us to cope with whatever comes. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Eric Wogen
Pastor Eric Wogen was born in Chicago, Illinois, and claims mid-western roots, even though he lived in many different places while growing up due to his father’s employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad. A graduate of Radnor High School in suburban Philadelphia, he received an AB in History from Gettysburg College and a MDiv degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. His first call was to a wonderfully affirming congregation in Sellersville, PA, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ridge Valley, where he joyfully served until being called as Assistant to the Bishop of the Southeastern Synod (LCA). He returned to parish ministry in 1979 when he was called to serve St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover, PA. After more than twenty years at St. Matthew, he was called by St. Armand’s Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida to be its pastor and served there until his retirement in 2008. Full Bio
