Day 16
Stir Up Your Gratitude and Praise
Reflection By: Anonymous

As a mom, I often feel taken for granted. The kids have been trained to thank me for making dinner, so at least I do get that. And, of course, they quickly thank me when I give them some extra they really had been wanting. But they rarely thank me for everyday things such as driving them to their activities or doing their laundry. They certainly never thank me for "correcting" them when they have made a bad choice and I need to steer them down a different path.

As a child of God, do I show my gratitude to God in the same way my children show gratitude to me? Sure, I am quick to thank God for a prayer answered. But do I thank Him often enough for the everyday blessings I have? And do I ever thank him when he "corrects" me (gently or otherwise) when I have made mistakes in my life as a result of turning away from Him?

The phrase "Thank God" is said so often and so casually these days, it has become a meaningless cliché. This Lent, let's banish that phrase from our speech and instead prayerfully and respectfully use "Thank you, God" when we really mean it.

So, THANK YOU, GOD, for the many blessings I've received. For calling me into your Holy family and for giving us your only Son as the pathway to eternal salvation. Thank you for the safe environment in which I live; I know that most people in the world are not as fortunate as I. Thank you for my family and friends and for the fact that I never have to worry about food, shelter, or clothing. Thank you for the beauty of creation. (I know.I should literally "stop and smell the roses" a bit more often.) Thank you for the times all the times you answered a prayer in the way I had been hoping, and for all those other times you led me down a different path. Thank you also for the challenges and hardships of life. I'm most thankful for the ones that have made me a better person and brought me closer to you.