Grateful Living
Grateful Living
By Miriam Frangakis
On being asked to contribute a 'Gratitude' story for Refresh, I couldn’t resist. I realised that, through God's teaching, being grateful is becoming so natural to me. I often don’t even realise it. Thank you, Jesus.
In 2023, I read Ann Voskamp’s book, “A Thousand Gifts.” It reminds us of the daily blessings we receive. We’re so caught up in this “must-have” culture that we miss the blessings we already have. We take our blessings for granted, not just material ones, but also the joy of seeing what we do have and the beauty surrounding us. Like Paul, can we say, “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances?” We can only do so when we fix our eyes on Jesus, not just on Sundays, but daily. Start each day with God, with praise, and you’ll learn gratitude.
I recently watched Gather25. It was an encouragement, a blessing, and a challenge as it reminded me of how much we must be grateful, especially for living in a country where we have the freedom to worship. We don’t know what it’s like to live in a persecuted country, where taking a risk every day just because you love Jesus is a daily struggle. Who are we to complain? Forgive us, Lord, and help us to take our eyes off ourselves and put you and others first. When we stop looking inward and start looking outward, we’ll realise how blessed we are and how grateful we should be.
I complain about raising funds for my salary, yet I’m fortunate to model Jesus daily. Who am I to complain? I’m grateful for my job and the opportunity to serve God. Our chaplaincy retreat encouraged us to shift from complainers to contributors.
Instead of asking, “What can my country do for me?”, we should ask, “What can I do for my country?” Similarly, we should ask, “What can I do for my church and my boss?” Adopting this mindset shifts us from self-centeredness to others-centeredness. This is how we stay grateful - by giving, not taking.
Do something random for someone daily without expecting anything in return. Watch God transform you into a more grateful person. Self-centeredness pushes God away, while an others-focused mindset creates space for God to move.
Staying grateful means looking out for others and being thankful for everything: the bumblebee, the rain, nature, God’s presence in struggles, laughter, family, the crazy magpie, shared experiences, friends, kids at school, daily opportunities to smile - need I go on?
Thank you God, for teaching me to live with gratitude.
On being asked to contribute a 'Gratitude' story for Refresh, I couldn’t resist. I realised that, through God's teaching, being grateful is becoming so natural to me. I often don’t even realise it. Thank you, Jesus.
In 2023, I read Ann Voskamp’s book, “A Thousand Gifts.” It reminds us of the daily blessings we receive. We’re so caught up in this “must-have” culture that we miss the blessings we already have. We take our blessings for granted, not just material ones, but also the joy of seeing what we do have and the beauty surrounding us. Like Paul, can we say, “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances?” We can only do so when we fix our eyes on Jesus, not just on Sundays, but daily. Start each day with God, with praise, and you’ll learn gratitude.
I recently watched Gather25. It was an encouragement, a blessing, and a challenge as it reminded me of how much we must be grateful, especially for living in a country where we have the freedom to worship. We don’t know what it’s like to live in a persecuted country, where taking a risk every day just because you love Jesus is a daily struggle. Who are we to complain? Forgive us, Lord, and help us to take our eyes off ourselves and put you and others first. When we stop looking inward and start looking outward, we’ll realise how blessed we are and how grateful we should be.
I complain about raising funds for my salary, yet I’m fortunate to model Jesus daily. Who am I to complain? I’m grateful for my job and the opportunity to serve God. Our chaplaincy retreat encouraged us to shift from complainers to contributors.
Instead of asking, “What can my country do for me?”, we should ask, “What can I do for my country?” Similarly, we should ask, “What can I do for my church and my boss?” Adopting this mindset shifts us from self-centeredness to others-centeredness. This is how we stay grateful - by giving, not taking.
Do something random for someone daily without expecting anything in return. Watch God transform you into a more grateful person. Self-centeredness pushes God away, while an others-focused mindset creates space for God to move.
Staying grateful means looking out for others and being thankful for everything: the bumblebee, the rain, nature, God’s presence in struggles, laughter, family, the crazy magpie, shared experiences, friends, kids at school, daily opportunities to smile - need I go on?
Thank you God, for teaching me to live with gratitude.
Posted in Grateful Living