Bitterness or joy

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.  –Psalm 103:2-5
 
The world is a crazy place. It’s easy to become cynical. Cynicism leads to bitterness. Bitter people are hard, judgmental, closed and mean. But there is a cure: It’s hard to be cynical when you’re being thankful. Gratitude leads to joy. Joyful people are hopeful, forgiving, curious and kind. Bitterness or joy. Which is more attractive? Which is more Christ-like? Which am I? Knowing which one I’d prefer, I decided to start a list of things I’m thankful for. Some are serious, some are silly, but they all make me smile. Check it out if you want, then consider starting your own list.
 

• God’s grace, mercy, patience, and never-give-up love.

• The sacrifice of my Savior.

• Evidence that God hears and answers my prayers.

• Times when God showed up big.

• Times when God showed up with quiet strength and steadiness.

• Trials that were painful at the time, but helped me see Him more clearly.

• The Scriptures.

• To have grown up in a home where my parents loved Jesus and each other.

• A dad who is still living and able to speak wisdom and affection over his family.

• Two brothers I love and admire.

• The love of a good woman.

• Kids.

• GRANDKIDS!

• To have been born in the United States of America.

• To have never had to worry about my next meal or where I would sleep.

• Good health.

• Modern medicine.

• A church that shows me a picture of Jesus and provides a place for me to serve.

• The lightness felt by someone emerging from the waters of baptism.

• My foxhole – six guys who provide me with a safe place to process life.

• Hope.

• My next breath.

• Laughter.

• Sunsets.

• The sound of the ocean.

• Clouds.

• Seasons.

• The smell of fresh-cut grass.

• Walks in the woods.

• A campfire on a cold night.

• The untamed lightshow of a thunderstorm.

• The sound of a creek.

• The smell of summer rain.

• Being present to witness the births of my children.

• Colors.

• Flavors.

• Music.

• Vintage automobiles.

• Crawdads.

• Sports.

• Losers who gave their all.

• Winners who are gracious.

• The smell of rubber.

• Sleep.

• A perfect steak.

• Pecan pie.

• Watermelon. Outside. In the summertime. With a child.

• Dewberry cobbler with Blue Bell ice cream.

• The satisfaction of a job well done.

• The light in a child’s eyes at Christmastime.

• A live performance of a play or concert.

• Seeing someone demonstrate extraordinary God-given talent.

• The tenderness of a mother with her baby.

• Watching a laborer who has perfected his craft through years of practice.

• A beautiful piece of art.

• The greeting you get from your dog after you’ve been gone a while.

• The smell of leather.

• The reaction of someone who is truly appreciative of a kindness shown.

 
Happy Thanksgiving y’all. I know holidays are tough for some of us. Remember joy is a choice that starts with gratitude. Find things you’re thankful for, then get to thanking.
 
Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  –Ephesians 5:20