In a Mirror Dimly

If there’s one thing I’ve observed over the years, it’s that gratitude comes quietly. Doesn’t it? The angry, frustrated voices always seem louder than a soft-spoken word of thanks or a heartfelt word of appreciation.

It’s so obvious in our children.  The toddler who stomps his feet and cries out in protest is so much noisier than the child who offers a simple thank-you. We correct these sorts of tantrums and spend our days reminding our kids to say “thank-you”.  How often have you heard the words “Now, what do you say?” from an embarrassed mom coaching her little Janie along?

Why does the task seem so daunting? Why do the kids seem so slow to catch it? Perhaps, in part, it’s because we fail to model it. Afterall, we’re not so different from them, are we? What of our tantrums? Oh, they’re shrouded in big words and reasoned arguments. But, aren’t they really just tantrums? When our government doesn’t do what we think it should? When our boss doesn’t affirm us like we think we deserve? When we see injustice or inequity? When we don’t have the house or the car we want? When we face disappointment and hurt from the people around us?

Perhaps Caleb and Maddie fail to thank me for taking care of their clothes, food, and activities because I fail to thank God for His provision in all things. Perhaps the demanding and the foot-stomping that I do are louder than the soft-spoken words of gratitude.

Oh, for a heart that is brimming with thanksgiving. For eyes that see the beauty…the hints of God’s grace all around. For ears that hear sweet shouts of joy instead of the dissonance that comes from a critical spirit.

I both fear it and long for it. I fear it because I know thanksgiving is a disposition of humility and dependence. I long for it because I know it is the path to contentment.

Let gratitude come softly and earnestly to my heart. Let it so permeate our home that words of “thanks” do not come out of obligation or well-bred manners. Instead, let them gush forth from a fountain of life – one that cannot be contained because it finds its source in Living Waters.

“Lord, please, will You do this thing in my heart?”

Quiet words of gratitude for today (may they drown out the tantrums):

• weekend adventures in letterboxing: 3 stamps this Sat!
• precious gatherings with Crossroads friends this weekend
• crisp, clear days in November; crunchy leaves under my feet
• tea and a scone for breakfast this morning
• reading Narnia again with the kids in the evenings
• quilted package from Mississippi
• Friday lunch date with Rick
• laughing together as a family
• time with former students who are now dear friends
• heart to heart conversations with my sisters; I love life with them