Calling by Susan L.

  In light of recent conversations, the creative heart in me was inspired to write. I hope it will give some insight into my understanding of gratitude.

Gratitude’s an attitude.

The “what do you say?” sing-song, rote, response, “Tank yo-ou”.

First words drilled, instilled, become a ritual, a victual that misses the feast.

Give thanks grace before meals? Habitual.

Its beginnings faded into mist, when Holy whole hands broke the bread and poured the wine knowing that time was short.

“Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Gratitude’s an attitude.

It was never meant to be a platitude, a band-aid, a guilty reflex.

It was never meant to be a weapon for shame and blame,

“Be thankful you’ve got yucky peas! There’s starving children in an ignored corner of the world who we never think about or plan on doing anything for but who’d be glad to have ‘em.”

Or missing the mark well meanings,

“Be thankful, things could be worse.”

“I dunno... it’s pretty bad now.”

Or not knowing what to say silence filling,

“Be thankful, it’s all part of God’s plan for you.”

“But I don’t see Him right now.”

“Thank you” was never meant to punish sorrow or pain.

‘Cause some days the cup is half empty.

Gratitude’s an attitude.

It is having faith that a half empty cup will eventually overflow.

It’s enjoying wacky, wonderful moments of weeping and laughter snorts and hiccups that start it all over again...

It’s celebrating everything from traffic jams to Christmas pajamas to harvest raspberry jelly.

It’s seeing answers to prayers that weren’t even being prayed.

It’s laughing about the day peas actually start to taste good then giving more than vegetables to those who have need.

It is honouring that which was lost.

It is embracing redemption, forgiveness, and grace because it is freely given.

It is sharing forgiveness and grace with others at no charge.

Gratitude’s an attitude.

Pay it forward.

Because the sound of “Thank You, Lord”, uttered from the depths of a grateful soul, rings through the heavens.

 

"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms." Ps 95:1-2