November is the month that the words grateful, thankful and blessed get said what feels like a million times, and I am one of the ones to say it. I picked up a habit many years ago from a dear friend, Greg, that usually catches people off guard. He will ask “How are you?” and usually people will respond with “good”, the standard answer. He then would respond with the catch, asking: “why?” Over the years I have used this same conversation starter, and it makes people stop to think about why they are “good”. Much like saying the easy November phrases with an easy “good”, have you stopped lately to check your gratitude gauge?
This past Sunday, my pastor was sharing about ten lepers who were begging for healing and when they got the healing they asked for, nine of them ran off to the temple. But there was the one who paused to turn back and thank Jesus for the healing. Gratitude. It’s an attitude of acknowledging kindness and having a thankful mindset.
As I served in the food pantry on Monday night, multiple people said “thank you” for the two rolls of toilet paper they received with one of their credits. When I was in Lubbock Impact’s Coffee Hall on Tuesday to help bring in donations, time and time again I heard participants saying, “thank you” whether it was for clothing or a simple cup of coffee. This week, we had fresh flowers donated that were arranged into centerpieces for the tables at Community Meal by LCU’s men’s soccer team. During announcements and prayer time that night, it was revealed that a participant at each table won the opportunity to take the flowers home. Immediate smiles were seen, and many thanks were heard for such a cherished luxury gift. Gratitude.
When you got up this morning, were you excited that you had toothpaste and a toothbrush waiting for you? When you stepped into your closet was it hard to decide which clothes to wear because you had multiple choices? Throughout your day did you have a heart of gratitude for the smallest and/or biggest things in your life?
Lubbock Impact is a source of so much gratitude in my life. I see the hardships and struggles participants go through daily and yet they have deep joy and thanksgiving. They understand that circumstances will keep changing but today they choose to have gratitude in the small things like toilet paper and a cup of coffee.
May we all find time to stop and reflect on our “why” are we good this week. And we turn back and say thank you to the One who made it possible to find the healing we needed.
Enjoy the holiday season and stop by at 34th and Boston if you need a reminder of what is good in this world!