Gratitude – When You Have Little

Back in my early twenties I learned a lesson that kicked me in the butt.

I went to a city in a different country where I was hit in the face with the impoverished lives of people. I was really unprepared for what I was going to see. That kind of poverty you cannot truly comprehend until you see it up close.

These people who had so little, yet gave us visitors, so much. The little bit of food they had, they shared with us. And they were so full of joy. Were their lives easy, absolutely not. But at no point did I see despair on their faces. Most often it was a smiling face.

Like I said, this kicked me in the butt. Kicked me in the butt because I don’t know if I would be that grateful and happy if I was in a situation like they were in. I’m not sure I would be.

And as someone who has so much, am I grateful for the many things I have? The many blessings I have?

If I were honest, I don’t think I could actually say that. Truthfully I take so much for granted every day. Every day there are so many things to be grateful for. Starting with the air that I breathe and the healthy lungs I have to breathe that air with.

What about you friend? Do you struggle with gratitude? If you do, you are in good company because I am with you too. I know I have so much to be grateful for, but I spend so much of my life without a heart of gratitude.

This past weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada. A specific time when the focus is unmistakably about being grateful. I am grateful for so much I frequently take for granted, like having enough food to eat, a warm place to live in and a beautiful country and province I call my home.

What about you friend? Do you struggle with gratitude? Like me, I am sure you do too. Having a heart of gratitude is a choice and I will be praying for you and for me, that in the midst of whatever difficulties we face in life, that we choose to have a heart of gratitude.

Not just a heart of gratitude but words of gratitude. If you are thankful for someone in your life, please tell them. Let someone else know how grateful you are for them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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