November 1, 2021
An Attitude of Gratitude
“I have learned to be content with whatever I have.” Philippians 4:11
Halloween is over. Time to pack up the ghosts and goblins and put out the cornucopias; time to trade the jack-o-lanterns for pumpkin pies. November ushers in THE holiday season at the end of the month with Thanksgiving, a time when families come together to stuff themselves full of turkey, pies and stuffing; a time to be surrounded by loved ones – whether united by bonds of blood, bonds of marriage, or bonds of common interests. After a year of social distancing and COVID induced limited gatherings, our get-togethers this year will be all the sweeter. The fourth Thursday in November is one of the few times during the course of twelve months when people take the time to give thanks for what they have, and not what they don’t have.
The apostle Paul knew the value of an attitude of gratitude, year round. He wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was in prison, and you can bet that his prison cell was nothing like the prisons in our country today! It was not unusual to have to rely on family or friends to provide your food. He may have been shackled, chained to the wall with limited movement and no time for exercise or fresh air. Yet even in these circumstances, Paul was grateful for what he had. In his attitude of gratitude, he wrote, “I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.” (Phil. 4:12)
What was Paul’s secret in the midst of these trying times? What was it that enabled him to be grateful in such surroundings? In the next verse, he tells us, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) The “him” who gave Paul his strength, his heart of thanksgiving, was Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
I encourage you, as this month, as this season begins, to draw your strength from the Son of God. Remember and give thanks for what you have and do not sorrow or be envious for what you don’t have. For there is always, somebody worse off than you.
As you cultivate your attitude of gratitude, just give thanks with a grateful heart.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Laura
PS. One way to show your gratitude for what God has given you is to support our local food pantry which helps others in need!