Gratitude seems to be almost art these days. It seems everyone – well most of us – expect things.

But this is a week where we are given time to reflect and enjoy gratitude – or we should.

What does gratitude mean? The dictionary says it is a quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful. That isn’t much help. But the definition of “grateful” does help: warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received.

We should be grateful down to our toes! We have been shown so much kindness by God. To begin with how ’bout the air we breathe, eyesight that lets us see the beauty around us, ears that hear the sound of laughter, feet that take us where we want to go, a brain that works, blood that flows through our veins…you get the idea.

Then there is God’s love for us. His grace and His mercy. His protection every day. His Word, the Bible, which is absolutely true. It contains wisdom and is useful for teaching, correction and instruction in right living. Then there is prayer – the ability to talk to God knowing He hears our every prayer. If you need wisdom, God promises He will give it to you, liberally, when you ask.

For the one who has put their trust in Christ there is salvation. Full and free. Which takes away our sin by forgiveness and releases us from guilt and shame. Hallelujah!

“For Thyself, best gift divine,
To our race so freely given,
For that great, great love of Thine,
Peace on earth and joy in heaven,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful raise.”