Gratitude first was a new thought for me today. When I think of gratitude, I think of giving thanks for things that have already happened, for all of the blessings that are already in my life. The message at church today made me pause and rethink gratitude.
This scripture from the Gospel of John sets up the concept. There were 5000 men plus women and children to feed. The disciples were concerned but Jesus knew exactly what to do. Give thanks.
7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages[a] to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.”There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. (John 6:7-10 NIV).
There was gratitude first before the miracle, before the blessings. How have I missed this? Maybe I am finally paying attention. Jesus gave thanks for what he had and then it multiplied. I spend so much time focused on what is next, what I want, what I think I need that I forget to simply give thanks.
I’m a planner and achiever who tends to wait until after I have accomplished something to give thanks for it. Gratitude first means I am giving thanks while in the midst of the project, the writing, the learning, the growing. I have often given thanks for the healing that has occurred in my life, but not the process, not the pain that preceded it. That is thanks in all circumstances.
Do you give thanks first? Do you show gratitude for the pain and process? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.