Last night while having dinner with my family, we watched a video of the most recent hurricane, Ida, which left devastating damage in New Orleans. Shortly after, I showed my girls images of the most recent earthquake that struck Haiti and the damage it left behind.
I didn’t do this to traumatize them, quite the opposite. I want my girls to grow up understanding the pain and suffering that’s in this world. It’s not all rainbows, butterflies, and unicorns. I also want them to learn to pray for the hurting, especially children. I want them to put the pain of others above theirs. But most importantly, I want them to learn the art of gratitude.
Some of us are gifted in being grateful no matter the circumstances, but most struggle with it and have to practice it just like any other skill.
Life will continue with its irritating and inconvenient challenges, brokenness, and pain. How we respond is what matters. Do we sing, or do we throw a fit?
Our true character comes out during the daily challenges we face and our attitude towards them.
“Out of the nature of the heart the mouth speaks” Luke 6:45
What’s stored in your heart? Is it gratitude despite the circumstances? Your initial reaction during these times reflects who you are. What responses need to change today?
