Thomas Merton (1915-1968), a Christian theologian who wrote in the twentieth century stated, “Gratitude is the heart of the solitary life, as it is the heart of the Christian life”. He taught that we as Christians can change the climates of our mind and shape it into a reality constructed of love through the practices of contemplation, meditation, solitude and prayer.

What does this have to do with grateful living? Well I’m glad you asked!

Embracing an attitude of gratitude is acknowledging that we have been gifted abundantly by God, the giver of all things. The Creator and Sustainer. Most prominently is the gift of grace, that we’ve received through Jesus Christ.

Today I reflect on some of the things that I am most grateful for this summer.

1. 1. The blessing of marriage: on June 17th I married the love of my life, and I am so thankful that I am able to spend the rest of my life with someone that not only loves me to my core, but that loves God first and foremost. It rained on our wedding day, which some say is a brides worst nightmare, but for us it just felt as though God was showering down more love!
   2. The blessing to serve: so grateful as mentioned in last week’s blog for our Micah six:eight weekend with Highrock church. Service is “the rent we pay on earth to gain access to heaven”. I am thankful for the hours spent in preparation, teaching, learning and serving amongst all of the youth, chaperones and church leaders from Highrock, this was a truly transformative space for all.
   3. The blessing to be in nature: God the Great Out Doors! Over the last couple weeks, I went on a day trip with some dear friends to Gloucester/Rockport and spent a few days with family in Meredith, NH. One of the things I appreciate most about going to new places, is being able to sit and meditate on the beauty of God’s earth. The ocean waves, the mountains and hills, streams and valleys. Even the rising and setting of the sun, Gods’ masterpiece that He paints for us and is different each and everyday.
   4. The blessing of praise and worship: attending this years 23rd Annual Gospel Fest in Boston was absolutely amazing, not only because it was free, but the opportunity to rejoice and fellowship with those young and old, of different races, ethnicities, backgrounds and identities, all in one space was just so beautiful! My husband and I were able to sit in the second row, and witness the gifts, and talents of artists such as: International Show, Major., Kierra Sheard, and Fred Hammond (one of my Dad’s favorites), in addition to the Mayor’s Gospel Choir.

There’s things we have and things that we do that we must be grateful for. No matter how big or small, let’s give glory to God!

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How are you being renewed to recognize the gifts you’ve been given?

Share with us how you #livegratefully in the comments below!