On being grateful

(This blog entry was written by Jeane Kawakami.)

I just came back from a 2 week trip to my country (the Philippines) and I'm truly grateful for the annual excitement filled chance to meet my family and friends. It's never enough and the traffic condition has gotten worse compared to last year due to endless road repair in various locations. The 1 hour drive we used to enjoy using the newest national expressway from the airport to our hometown became 4 stressful long hours because the entrance from our side was impassable.

It was exhausting yet I still try to find something to praise the Lord for in the midst of a bumper to bumper rush hour journey.

Some of the meeting schedule we planned didn't materialize due to time constraints. We (me and my mom) had to prioritize visiting old family friends we have not seen for decades and pray for them while they are still here with us. Make them feel the love of God through our warm embrace and gratitude for all the help and blessings they shared to our family before, especially during struggling times.

I know there are people in your life whom you strongly feel grateful for. It's an amazing feeling and God will surely encourage you to look back and reach out to them and give the favor back to the community or the person who truly needs it. This shows a spirit of humility too.

Gratitude is a way of life. Yes, it sounds cliche, but it's simply one of the best ways to appreciate and love the life you live, even with all the imperfections. There will always be something to complain about everywhere we go, no matter how naturally rich or affluent is the place we live. And even when you surround yourself with people who love you, people who matter to you, the ones who share your values and mindset, your relationship with each and every one will never be conflict proof all the time. This is a fact of life, and the only way to counter the issue in case they inevitably arise is to think of all the things you are grateful for in that person, thing, job or place. Make a journal if you have to. Remind yourself constantly that you are loved and highly favored by the Lord. Exercise your gratitude muscle every single day and remember God will put you where you need to be. To grow, to learn and to live the life He intends for you to be more like Jesus in the process – whether it's funful or painful...

Colossians 3:17. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Jeane