It's a quiet morning, my mind awake far earlier than my body would like. Processing through thoughts, concerns, and to-dos like a money counter at a casino. So many things to take care of, issues to solve, people I want to help, struggles to overcome, questions that need answers. Life, family, kids, and business all frantically spinning at rpms that would redline most cars.
Trying to slow the engine down a notch and focus long enough to produce a coherent thought to share, I heard snoring rising up from the floor on my right...Louie!
Turning to my left and seeing Susan peacefully sleeping beside me, my mind slowed way down, and one word came into focus: Gratitude…engine seizing gratitude.
Gratitude, a state of being presently thankful. Focusing on the things in life to be thankful for, those everyday pleasures and people who fill your cup, provides a calm heart and clear mind that allows us to handle those things in life that otherwise may launch the train off the tracks.
We are all fighting battles against forces we don't like or even understand sometimes. There are seasons when it feels like everyone and everything just seems to rise up against us in an attempt to take us out.
"Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him." (Revelation 17:14)
The battle has been fought, and the battle has been won. And we didn't have to even lift a finger. In the book of Revelation, when the ten kings of the world rose up and banded together with the beast to slaughter the Lamb, it was a shutout, no contest, lopsided victory. And we get the trophy, just for choosing the right team. That's something to be grateful for.
Gratitude. The ultimate weapon against fear, against anxiety, against worry, against selfishness.
Gratitude. The ultimate weapon against fear, against anxiety, against worry, against selfishness. When I think about my life and the storms that exist, gratitude helps me rise above the clouds to where the Son is. I can smile, get a clear head, soak up His warmth, and proactively move forward knowing I have so much to be thankful for. So do you.
I hope you feel that way. I never realized the perspective I could gain from an old dog snoring. And remember, unexpressed gratitude is worthless. If you are thankful for someone, tell them. You just may be the old dog they need today.
