A Grateful Heart Mimics Jesus
By Machelle McDowell
Jeremiah 32:19
“Great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve”.
My friend Denise has taught me the true meaning of counting my blessings and being grateful. She gets up every morning and counts her blessings one by one. How do I know this, because It is evident in her lifestyle!
You see, Many days she is basically confined to her home as she cares for her “special needs” son. He physically depends on her for all of his basic needs. It is difficult for her to transport him outside of their home which means she gives a new definition to a stay home mom.
It is a treat for her to be able to go out and have her hair done or do a little shopping. To spend time with a friend over a cup of coffee is rare and far between for this sweet lady. She never complains. She always has a smile on her face and joy in her heart.
Our purpose in life is the very meaning of our existence and without knowing this we often painfully miss out on our own significance.
We sometimes are guilty of getting caught up in the lie that our lives don't matter and we have no connection or impact on the world around us.
The message that this precious lady heralds from within the walls of her home on a daily basis speak louder than any message we might hear from a podium or a podcast.
Her conduct is selfless, sacrificial, and saintly. She embraces her plot in life as the greatest gift God could have given her. God assigned her to be, “special.” She is gifted to fulfill special needs of her son. God designed in her all of the right attributes to be given such an honor. Sound familiar?
We all know someone like this…. His name is Jesus!
Denise exemplifies Jesus and is fueled by a heart of gratitude and thankfulness. When we look for things to be grateful and thankful for each day, we will find them! Overtime this type of behavior will change our mindset and how we look at the world.
We will become a more positive person and be far less self-centered. She lives life the way Jesus instructs us to live!
I Thess 5:18- Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
She counts this season of her life as blessed. Do we? Or do we spend the majority of our time focusing on our woes? She finds joy in each day and brings new meaning to the song, “Count your blessings.” Name them one by one. Count your many blessings!
I want to challenge you today! Look around for the blessings that God has placed in your path today. You will not have to look far. You will find them, I promise!
Exhibit a grateful and thankful heart and it will change your outlook and the outlook of those around you. It changed mine!