Gratitude

It's not just a feeling. It can be cultivated even in tough circumstances; it can be a product of a conscious effort of the mind and heart. I have seen this demonstrated so much in Michael these past few weeks. He likes driving the bus and working in the chemical building at the fireworks plant, but the days he has to work in other building he does kind of mindless, unchallenging assembly line work which makes him think things like "what am I doing here, I have a Master's degree." He is very careful to repent of thoughts like these on the spot and remind himself that a month ago he didn't have a job. It our times of prayer he has never failed to thank God for the work He has provided; and his thanks is with a genuinely thankful and humble heart. The leader of a Bible study I am in told us a few weeks ago about how she intentionally thanks her husband several times a week for going to work to provide for their family; she tells him what a blessing that is to her. I've tried to start doing the same thing - especially as he is currently working at jobs that would not be his top pick. I'm hoping that it is an encouragement to him like his gratitude is an encouragement to me.