Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

In our recent service, we took a moment to reflect on our actions over the past week. We considered those moments when we acted in ways that were not in line with God's teachings—times of irritation, frustration, anger, or resentment that led us to speak harshly or act in ways that were not reflective of Christ’s love. It's a struggle we all face in our daily Christian walk. Paul reminds us that this can change. Imagine if, for the week ahead, in every interaction, our sole focus was to see God’s presence in the eyes of the person we are speaking to. How likely would we be to say hurtful words in those moments? Very unlikely.

Ephesians 5:15-20 encourages us to approach life with wisdom, to be fully present in every moment. Although we can't stay in church 24/7, we can take church with us into the world. Being present means valuing our time and seeking God in everything we do. It's about drinking from the Spirit wherever we go. When we begin to seek God’s presence in all we do, it naturally influences our words and actions. Our conversations become songs of praise, love, and grace. We can find ways to be in the moment—like practicing silent prayer or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on our senses, to ask ourselves, "What am I hearing? What am I seeing? What am I smelling?"

God has given each of us gifts that inspire and motivate us. For some, it might be the joy of laughter, for others, it might be deep and meaningful conversations, the beauty of music, or the awe of nature. These are all ways in which God meets us and lifts our spirits. When we look for God in every moment and recognise the gifts He has given us, it fosters an "attitude of gratitude." This attitude becomes a way of life, helping us to navigate through the challenges and pains of life. It's an invitation from our Lord to experience the fullness and goodness of life, even amidst the struggles.

God's truths are there to carry us through moments of despair, to lighten the load, and to help us find joy even in difficult times. To be thankful, even in those moments, is a transformative experience. So, friends, let’s be in the moment. Let’s find those "top-ups," those little moments that fill us with joy and remind us of God's love. Let’s have an attitude of gratitude, embracing the invitation to experience life fully in God's presence.