Today was one of those rare days: the temperature was 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) with the humidity reaching as high as 45 percent. This is a little strange, as we are slowly approaching the season of fall.

It's too hot to do anything today, I found myself thinking, and found myself anticipating and being anxious about a time when cooler temperatures will come. But then, I will probably complain that it is too cold outside to go for a walk!

Human beings never seem to be satisfied. When we get older, we complain that we can't do as much as we used to. We get a lot more aches and pains, and it seems that that is all we ever talk about.

What happened to being thankful, giving thanks to our Creator for all that we do have and are still able to do? There always seems to be someone else who is far off worse than you and me.

I admire people who have it all together, even though they are blind, or have only half of a body, or are paralyzed from the neck down, and are moved to spread their motivational message of gratitude. What is it that keeps such a one going and expressing an attitude of gratitude?

Could it be that we have a choice: a choice to give thanks or to dwell on the negative?

Colossians 3:15 – Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. (NASB)

Isaiah 46:4 – Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you. (NASB)

Let us choose today to be thankful for all that we have and remember that God is ever with us in all things.

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, help us to look beyond our own circumstances, and grant us an attitude of gratitude. Help us to dwell on the positive things in our lives instead of the negative. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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