I Choose Gratitude

Sow a garden of gratitude! Sometimes, my garden resembles one of a “Madditude," a term I use to describe a garden overrun by negative thoughts and emotions. The enemy thrives in sowing seeds of negativity. It arrives through the disappointment you didn't see coming, the unresolved conflict that dampens your spirit, or those prayers that seem to go unanswered forever. All are perfect grounds for choking out the roots of gratefulness in our lives.

So much more than “thankfulness at the moment,” gratitude is the deep-abiding, perfectly paired combination of our disappointments and triumphs. The former provides the strength for the latter.

So, bury the seeds of doubt, discord, and disappointment. Water them with tears of joy and sadness, with acts of kindness and love, and watch a garden of gratitude begin to grow.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

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