Gratitude

All week I have been contemplating gratitude. I have been examining my heart for its measure of thankfulness. I have been meditating on how to cultivate hearts if gratitude in my children. I have been conscious of how much I have, yet how little I deserve. Then I came upon this great quote:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
Melodie Beattie

Oh Lord, You have given me more than I could ever measure, because You've given me Yourself. You've given me hands to serve, feet to follow You, and the privilege of a voice to utter the magnificence of Your name. You've placed love all around me and people in my care. You've warmed my cold fingers and clothed my body. You've fed my mouth and my soul with the sustenance that strengthens me to turn and praise You again. You've Been...again and again and again. You are more than all I need. You've given me laughter to share in, music to dance, the love of my life to delight in. Your promises never fail and your provision never ends. Help me, dear Lord, to thank you. Help me to seek you in all things that I might begin to have a heart of gratitude. Help me to first bless Your name, even before I consider my own needs. Help me to set an example of thankfulness before my children that they will grow to be selfless, gracious and full of praise for Who You are. You are the meaning of Abundant Life. You are Fullness of Joy. Thank You, my Good Lord.