Saturday, December 4, 2021

Gratitude December, Day 4


Hi friends and fellow bloggers. 

I didn't mention it previously but I am spending a few moments each day to reflect on one thing I am grateful for that day. Of course there is usually more than 1 thing, both big and small that I am grateful for each day but I want to try and focus on one thing.  I didn't post for Day 2 and 3 so I will do that separately. I'm not yet decided whether I will post several days of gratitude in one or do a separate post for each day. We shall see but I will use the labels "grateful" and gratitude" to make them easy to search.

Today is Day 4 and I thankful for a phone call from the daughter of my childhood Sunday School teacher. My former was such a wonderful, loving and kind person. She is now well into her 90s and developed dementia a few years ago.  She is now in a care home but her son and daughter visit her almost daily. After their mother developed dementia, the daughter and the son would bring her south for a holiday each summer and they would make a point of visiting various people including myself and my late mom when she was in a care home too. 

Such a blessing this family entire family is to so many people. The example of their mother and father, stalwarts of the church and kindness and love exemplified, helped me to become the person I am today. My spiritual fruits still have a long way to go to ripen as well as theirs but honestly their example still encourages me to this day.

Here is the basis on which I love to give gratitude in all things. It's been my daily practice for long though I don't always write it down.

 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:8



8 comments:

Red said...

Neat idea to get yourself thinking positively.

Joyful said...

Hi Red, it isn't so much about thinking positively but being grateful and giving thanks in all things whether they are good or bad. I added one scripture that undergirds my thoughts on gratitude though there are many other scriptures.

eileeninmd said...

Sounds like a wonderful idea, we all have many reasons to be grateful.
Have a great day, enjoy your new week!

Joyful said...

Thank you Eileen. We really do have a lot of reasons to be grateful. Enjoy your week too. Thanks for stopping by!

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Amen! There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for!! And I am happy you enjoyed the phone call from your Sunday School teacher's daughter. That is really sweet of her to call and to keep you up to date on her mother as well. I used to spend Sunday afternoons with my father after my mother died, and we would call some of his old friends and relatives and stay in touch. He was already 90+, but this was so important to him. I love to get phone calls like that too. I may do some more calling for this Christmas season to people I don't hear from very often...I may do that in lieu of Christmas cards this year. Just a thought...

Joyful said...

Your father had the right idea Pamela and I think many people would prefer a phone call to a card. I know my late mom used to spend time at every holiday to call her loved ones. It meant a lot to the people who she called but it also meant a lot to her to speak to people she didn't get to see very often if at all. Maybe I should also start that in the future. Have a wonderful week ahead!

Mari said...

We have so much to be thankful for. This family sounds like a blessing to many.

Jeanie said...

That phone call was a great gift. Like you, I spend a bit of each day in gratitude. It makes a difference.

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