An Attitude of Gratitude
Scripture – Luke 1:46-56: 46And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Reflection: Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting has become one of the great affirmations of faith in the life of the church. There are a number of things that catch my attention.
From the very beginning, her opening line leads to a personal question. How does my soul glorify the Lord? I say the words and I do some good things. But on the inside, what does my soul reflect?
God has been very good to me. I often take what He’s provided for granted. The other day a friend was reminding me to be very specific when I thank God. It’s easy to thank Him for all the blessings in my life. But when I thank Him for the warm boots I have to wear on a snowy day or the coffee I drink every morning, my gratitude becomes personal. It’s kind of like the difference between sending out generic “Thank You” cards after Christmas instead of personal notes.
So I will live with thanksgiving my heart today. I will let that attitude be reflected in my soul. Perhaps that’s one way the Lord will be glorified – whether anyone else sees it or not. Also, this week I’ll send some personal notes of thanks to people.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reflection: Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting has become one of the great affirmations of faith in the life of the church. There are a number of things that catch my attention.
From the very beginning, her opening line leads to a personal question. How does my soul glorify the Lord? I say the words and I do some good things. But on the inside, what does my soul reflect?
God has been very good to me. I often take what He’s provided for granted. The other day a friend was reminding me to be very specific when I thank God. It’s easy to thank Him for all the blessings in my life. But when I thank Him for the warm boots I have to wear on a snowy day or the coffee I drink every morning, my gratitude becomes personal. It’s kind of like the difference between sending out generic “Thank You” cards after Christmas instead of personal notes.
So I will live with thanksgiving my heart today. I will let that attitude be reflected in my soul. Perhaps that’s one way the Lord will be glorified – whether anyone else sees it or not. Also, this week I’ll send some personal notes of thanks to people.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
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