Once a week I gather around a table in an assisted living facility nearby with a group of seasoned saints to go over a lesson from The Hope of Glory. This is just the most recent of several groups I’ve been privileged to meet with over the years, but I’ve gotten to know and cherish these ladies in a special way.
As with most volunteer assignments from the Lord, I feel sure I am blessed more by our time together than they are. I breeze in from my busy life with a report on the daily weather or other happenings in the “outside world” about which they are curious, and then we settle down to our lesson. We always close with prayer requests, and this is when the blessings just seem to pour out on the table like so many cups of spilled coffee.
Of course there are the normal complaints about slow service in the dining hall or delayed response times when they push a button for help. We discuss everyone’s latest aches and pains. Concerns are expressed about a prodigal adult child or grandchild, and more often than I’d like, we pray for someone’s illness or impending surgery. Yet no matter what needs we share, before we bow our heads to pray someone always expresses a sentiment of gratitude, and that grateful spirit permeates the room.
“I’m so grateful my son calls me now and we have a better relationship,” Nan reports. “Of course it’s not as often as I’d like, but it’s more than before so I’m grateful.”
“My family is moving me to Kansas to be near two of my daughters,” June announces. “I don’t mind because they are doing all the work and I know it will be a good thing. I’m so grateful for how they take care of me.” With tears in our eyes at losing her from our group, we still share in her gratitude.
“When I think back over the jobs I’ve had in my life, it amazes me that I’m able to live in a place like this,” Myrth reflects. “I mean I never made a lot of money, but God has provided this for me, and I’m grateful.”
All these women have experienced significant losses in their lives. They all have reasons to be grumpy, yet they choose gratitude instead. I’ve learned from them that it’s their faith, their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which makes this possible.
So this week our lesson is titled “Attitude of Gratitude” and our key verse is from 1 Thessalonians 5:18: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. As I read these words from the lesson, I’ll say a silent prayer that they speak to each of our hearts, including mine:
A grateful heart doesn’t search for what’s missing, but delights in what’s present. A grateful heart expects the best from others, and gives its best in return. A grateful heart forgets what might have been, and enjoys every moment of each new day as it comes. A grateful heart is a prayer of its own—one that fills the heavens with praise!
May we all be less grumpy and more grateful this Thanksgiving.
Happy thanksgiving!!
Love you,
Jimmie
Same to you, my friend! I hope it was wonderful and you got some rest.
Oh my yes! Grumpy comes easily but grateful THAT is where I want to be…
It’s such a happier spot to land! Thanks, Lea Ann.
So thankful for your sharing another uplifting message. And so thankful for you, Nancy.
And I’m thankful for you and the collie girls! You bring so much joy into my life.
Great message, Nancy! As I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, I also ask that others pray for the people of Western North Carolina who suffered loss when Hurricane Helene devastated the western 17 counties of North Carolina. My hubby and I are thankful that we live in a continuing care retirement community which has and is taking great care of us with no additional charge to us. God has blessed us beyond measure.
I sure haven’t forgotten about North Carolina, Peggy. You’re all in my prayers and I’m so grateful that you are being well cared for.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Nancy. Please share my blessing with your boys(grown men).
We have been blessed to become great
Grandparents to a sweet little girl, Austin. Her mommy is our oldest granddaughter. We will meet her in December. So exciting and truly a blessing.
Oh, congratulations on Austin, Cheryl! What a blessing to thank God for this Thanksgiving. With “greats” I’ve enjoyed the freedom of loving them but remembering they have grandparents to buy all the gifts and spoil them. Love is enough.
Nancy, once again you have said precious things so well. I continue to use your books in a similar ministry at an assisted living community near my home in Fresno. I can report the very same complaints about slow service, food, aches and pains, etc. But, praise God, there are praise reports of the sweetest kind, mostly for the wonderful caregivers and staff. Also, for not having to cook and clean! Ha! That alone makes me ready to move in, I assure them! We always chuckle about that. I tell them that, at age 55, I’m learning from them how to be an age I’ve not yet experienced. By the grace of God, I will get there, and now I’ll be more prepared because I’m studying them. They have also suffered much loss, as you well know. One woman (my favorite, I’ll admit) has lost all three of her children and her husband. I can’t imagine how she’s endured, yet she is the Godliest woman I know and she gives me hope that I can face any storm because she’s still standing. Praise God for His example through her to me! Happy Thanksgiving! Keep up the good work! We’re all grateful for you!
It’s hard not to have favorites, isn’t it? But they are all so dear. You haven’t met my ladies and I haven’t met yours, yet we know them! Thank you so much for your encouraging words, Tanya. Truly a blessing this Thanksgiving week!
Today is the 30th and I’m just taking the time to read this uplifting reminder from scripture penned here by you. I need it more today as I let the memories of the blessings slip away and focus on what I would like the Lord to change.
Thank you, Nancy, for bringing me back to the joy of that day with two little ones so appreciative of everything, and now letting go of my unrealistic expectations as I trust His wisdom and hope of the glory to come.
With much Love and Gratitude, Eileen
You are so welcome. Glad you are “steeping” in the blessings!
Touching and transparent as are all your blogs, my my dear friend. i can denitrify as an aging occupant of planet earth, and have decided that i would rather finish sweet than strong; vulnerable and unguarded, grateful and most decidedly not grumpy!
And may I finish with equal style and grace! What a journey we are on.