Retroactive Gratitude

If I were to ask average people to list for me all the bad things about 2009, most could rather quickly come up with a long list. On the other hand, if I were to ask most disciples to list all the blessings of 2009, many would take a longer time and likely wind up with a shorter list? Why would this be? One reason is that we are sensitive to what hurts, annoys, disgusts, and offends us. Another reason, all too often, is that we don't very often stop and think about all the ways that God has blessed us. In fact, we frequently take the good things for granted. What if, all of a sudden, God stopped blessing us? If we do not develop the discipline of thankfulness, God could justly withdraw His Gracious provisions. I think it's a wonder that He doesn't usually do this. If we don't appreciate them, why should He bother? If you have neglected to tell God how much His generosity has meant to you, wouldn't it be a very good idea to dedicate a block of time, in the closing moments of this year, to thinking back over all of His provisions this year and telling God how much you appreciate His goodness to you? It will mean something to God and you will be better for it. Selah! As you make a real effort to think about all of your blessings, you will probably be surprised how much that you have failed to appreciate His love and kindness toward you. Retroactive gratitude may right a serious wrong. It will get you off on the right foot to enter 2010.  Ron

"Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah!" (Psalm 68:19).