Grace + Atttitude ~ Gratitude!

Give thanks in all circumstances! 1 Th 5:18

I got up extra early yesterday. I have been reading Proverbs first thing in the morning, asking God bring His Wisdom to some major life decisions looming ahead of me.

Then, I did what I call “the morning pick-up.” First the kitchen: dishwasher loaded, counters wiped down, refrigerator cleared of uneaten ‘dead soldiers,’ floor swept. Then the family room: Shoes gathered, pillows fluffed up, glass coffee table Windex-ed…you get the idea. The object is to head out to the gym before 8am knowing that at least the downstairs of the house has been left in working order.

Today, I woke up before the alarm clock blared; a cool breeze was blowing the white curtains that I love out into the room. Such a peaceful time, and as I thought about the day ahead I felt so blessed to be alive. I promised God that I would not sin today…then, I walked downstairs.

As I began “the pick-up” I noticed that no one had unloaded the dishwasher from yesterday, so dishes were piled in the sink. An empty backpack sat on the kitchen table, because its contents were strewn on the family room table. Some unpleasant smell emanated from the laundry room and when I opened the washer the scent of moldy jeans, probably fermenting in there for a week, overtook me. I wanted to scream.

With a bad attitude written all over my face I headed to the gym leaving the mess and my un-read Bible behind me. As I walked into the group exercise class the instructor said, “Before we begin today, let’s be grateful that we can be here, that our bodies are functioning, and we can block out time to come to this clean gym and be together.” Wow, convicted!

While driving home I confessed my ugly attitude and asked God for grace for today. As I unloaded the dishwasher I thanked Him for each dish, as I re-ran the washer, I thanked Him for our clothes, my computer has thankfully been upgraded, and my car will take me where I need to go. Thank you Jesus! You do so much for me everyday that I do not deserve, it is my pleasure to serve my family as unto the Lord.

As I looked around the house at family photos and gifts from friends over the years, I was filled with gratitude. We can’t always choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond to them, and through the grace of God all things can be put in proper perspective. All things through Christ who strengthens me, who helps me to overlook offenses, fold laundry, pick up dry cleaning and works to complete the good work He has begun in us.