One of the greatest things that stirs God’s heart and even the people around us is our ability to show gratitude. Gratefulness is appreciating benefits received; being thankful.When someone says ‘thank you’ after a good deed, it encourages and opens us to bless them again. But when one turns out an ingrate,it turns off most people’s desire to help when next they need a favour.

The lives we live, the air we breathe and the water we drink are all gifts from God .We have every reason to say ‘Bless the Lord o my soul. Let everything that is within me bless His name. Bless the Lord O my soul; forget not all His benefits…(Psalm 103).Somewhere,someone is wishing that breathing aid would be removed from their mouth and nose. Somewhere else,there are people unhappy with life even with all the money in their hands. It will surprise you if the likes of Beyonce or Diddy told you one day,they wanted to be as happy as you. That just gives you and I you enought reason to be appreciative at all times!

In my first-ever personal development class, I watched a video by Richard StJohn, ( a success expert)where he coached people on 8 Traits successful people have in common. He’s written a book on the subject (8 To Be Great) .You can check it on his website http://www.richardstjohn.com or look up some of his videos at http://www.ted.com. In his video presentation, Richard reinstated the fact that ‘money does not buy happiness’. Now,if he,a millionaire who has interviewed over 500 successful people including the CEO’s of Apple,Virgin,Walmart,etc;won the highest awards in business communications,etc can reinforce such a statement,then ,there is surely an element of truth in his saying.

I pointed out Richard’s story to remind you that if you have been waiting for the money or fame before you can be happy enough to be grateful for life,then, you’re in for a long wait.Why not consider those things you think little and begin to show some gratitude?

Once upon a time, it happened as He (Jesus) went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19(NKJV)

This story emphasises the fact that gratitude matters.I’m sure God takes note of our thank yous but also keeps record of our ingratitude. When we return to say thanks,there’s every guarantee of Him blessing us the more just as Jesus did to the one leper who returned to glorify God.
Why not take a minute now and thank God for your life, family, business, career, relationships and all the things you have and I don’t? You may not have it all but you have something to be thankful for.You are not where you started yesterday,so give thanks!

On this day,I thank God for giving me life and keeping me over 25 years here on earth. I return with a thankful heart.On account of the life and breath we still have,let’s always return like the one leper to show gratitude. Let’s thank God for everything He has done,is doing and is yet to do.Give thanks and see His blessings abound unto you.

Bless,
Adja Amy.