Gratitude Changes You

Sometimes, it’s hard to be grateful. This past week, I enjoyed lunch at the Alamo Café with some colleagues only to come out to my parking space and be hemmed in by a large SUV. The driver had backed in and was just inches from my car with its big side-view mirror looming over my car. I literally couldn’t back up without hitting this monster of a car.

I had to move quickly to make it to another meeting, but this parking snafu had me in a bit of a dilemma. I shimmied an inch, stopped and shimmied another inch, and did this for way too long. I finally broke free without damaging either car.

Sometimes, it’s these not-quite-right circumstances that happen out of nowhere that lead me to grumble. What was that driver thinking? Did he/she not see how close she was? Thankfully, I was able to just be grateful to be out of my parking prison and escape to the next meeting.

Thanksgiving is all about being thankful. Not just to anyone but thankfulness to God. All that we have is from God. Gratitude shouldn’t just be something we practice leading up to Thanksgiving, but every day. It changes the atmosphere around us AND it changes us.  Who doesn’t want to be around a grateful person?

Is gratitude more than sharing what you're grateful for on Thanksgiving Day? Consider Thomas Merton and his thoughts on gratitude:

“Gratitude is more than a mental exercise, more than a formula of words. We cannot be satisfied to make a mental note of things that God has done for us and then perfunctorily thank Him for favors received. To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us- and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is grace, for it brings with us immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, and is constantly awakening to a new wonder, and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience.”

How would becoming a grateful person transform you? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “Give thanks in all circumstances.” But wait. This verse does not mean that we FEEL thankful in all circumstances. Instead, it commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” I didn’t feel thankful for being held captive in a parking space. But I was thankful for how God helped me get out! Gratitude changes the lens in which we see the circumstances that enter our lives. Not just the week of Thanksgiving, but every day. When we take time to engage in thanksgiving, it changes our desires and our perspectives.

Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQdfs5S6jyA

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Perfecting the Holidays?

The holidays are coming and I know that as much as I prepare, wrap, decorate, and cook, it will be far from perfect! I decorate a bit like my personality…a bit eclectic and simple. I love to cook and bake but I may have a few things that don’t turn out perfectly. I usually wrap gifts all at once in a hurry and don’t really care if they’re perfectly done. I’m just glad when they’re done.

To be honest, I’m far from having it all together at the holidays. But, I do pray. I pray a lot. I pray about our guests at the holiday, I pray that each guest feels loved and accepted. I pray that I’ll have a peaceful heart as I prepare the dishes. I pray that I can find gifts that truly make people feel special. I pray that God is glorified through all that is said and done.

Why do we stress out at the holidays? Why do we place expectations on ourselves that we can’t fulfill? I’m thankful that God doesn’t see things the way we do! He’s not focused on how perfect our homes look or how polished we look on the outside. And to be honest, I don’t think most people who come to our homes are either! People are longing for relationships, not perfection.

Not only do we seek approval through our holiday performance, but also in education, sports, finances, and our relationships. We are easily sucked into the need to gain, maintain AND achieve people’s approval. How in the world do we stop this crazy cycle?

Check out Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 (NLT)  “When I came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness- timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.”

I want to live like Paul lived. It’s an admonition for us all! He relied on the Holy Spirit to help him because as he admits, his message and preaching were very plain.

Hey Paul! I’ve got the same problem! I feel very plain…especially when it comes to making things look nice at the holidays. When I realize I don’t have to be enough or do enough, holiday preparations change for me!  I already have God’s acceptance and favor. What can people’s acceptance add?

May you enjoy this holiday season and find joy in finding acceptance and favor in God.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galations 1:10

Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTHS4W1bPj8

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

God is Sovereign

On my way home from Dripping Springs last weekend, I was traveling on Route 165 as the sun went down. As I drove down the enormous hill, I saw the most beautiful sunset. The luminous colors were picture-perfect. As I came down the hill towards 281, I saw flashing lights everywhere with police directing traffic to go the opposite way I needed to go. So, I did, for about 2 miles. When I was finally able to turn around and go the correct way, I passed what looked like a multiple-car pileup. I was sobered by all I saw.

As part of that drive, I experienced so much peace and joy from the beauty I saw. Some moments later, I saw a horrific accident that affected people’s lives and shook me to the core. What a contrast!

Perhaps this is a picture of our lives. One minute, we can be on top of the mountain joyously taking it all in, and the next moment, we can be staring at an accident that has seriously affected our lives forever.

How do we handle the highs and lows of life? This election week, we have a choice. How will we respond to the highs and lows of this election? If your candidate gets in or not, will you have a deep trust that God is sovereign over all things that happen?

What does “sovereign” mean? It means “supreme power or authority.” Many people would say that God is sovereign, which means that God is God. He has the supreme power and authority over everything. God’s sovereignty was on display when He sent His Son to reconcile humanity back to Himself so that we could enter into a personal relationship with Jesus.

Instead of freaking out in the highs and lows of life, I am reminded of His perfect love for all of us! He is all-powerful and able to do anything. If we're upset about the election, we can turn to God in prayer instead of going to social media. Any problem or concern we face can be brought to him in prayer.

These verses seem perfect for this week:

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17

“And looking at them Jesus said to them, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26

“I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2

It’s election time! Putting our faith in a God that is sovereign helps us weather any storm. We learn to trust God completely, not the results of an election. We don’t have to be afraid, but instead, look to God’s sovereignty and find peace and hope. Will you trust Him today and in the days ahead?

Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfA94XxOKiw

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.