Cultivating Gratitude

I love the Revive Our Hearts backgrounds, they always seem to have one that speaks to my season of life. This one says, "Gratitude: The heart that is constantly overflowing with gratitude will be safe from the attacks of resentfulness and gloom that bother so many persons." A.W Tozer


Can I get a AMEN!?!?

This quote hits home to my life in so many ways. If I wanted to, I could grow bitter and resentful in the waiting. I know it wouldn't be hard almost like the flip of a switch. But that would be crazy and I don't do crazy! Over the past year, I have celebrated with many who have become pregnant and had a baby. I cherish every life God has given to my friends. I love the fact that many of my friend's children run to Jeff and I when we walk into the room. It's like they know that fun times are ahead. We love giving the kids laughter. But more than that we love watching the kids minds work. I love to see how a child kind of takes it all in, they soak up the moment and can come up with some of the funniest activities or phrases.

Truly, God is blessing us in the waiting. Yesterday was a blessing for us in the land of children's ministry. The pastor's wife and I have been teaching the children the 10 Commandments. Yesterday they did this in front of the church. Many of the kids were able to recite the commandments very quickly after we said, "Number One, Number Two" and so on. Oh they made us proud.

So proud in fact, that is all Jeff and I talked about on the way home. I promise you that for most of the day yesterday we talked about each one of our students. "Aren't you proud of so and so?" and "Isn't it fun to see so and so come out of his shell?"

It's fun to live in the moment, doing what God has called for us to do in this season. I am grateful for the moments where we can see God's plan unfolding in our lives. I am grateful for this journey with all it's twists and turn. I admit that sometimes I do get sad, but I choose never to grow bitter or resentful. I am trusting and I am living fully in the plans God has for us.

And I believe that is why I am able to cultivate a heart of gratitude.