“In 2008 a young Australian woman, Hailey Bartholomew,
found that she wasn’t enjoying life. She described herself as feeling lost and
stuck on a treadmill. It was almost inexplicable. She was married to a man she
loved and had beautiful children who held her heart. So why was she feeling so
down about her life? Hailey sought the counsel of a nun, who advised her to
spend time each day reflecting on something for which she was grateful. Hailey
began a project called “365grateful”. Every day she took a photograph of
something for which she was grateful.
“It changed her life, for it allowed her to see things
she had never noticed. Hailey had always thought of her husband as unromantic.
One day she took a picture of him serving up dinner, the thing which she was
grateful for that day. She noticed for the first time that the largest portion
of pie was placed on her plate. She realised that the largest portion was
always placed on her plate and that this was one small but profound way her
husband showed his care for her. Hailey had found mothering a “boring job”, but
as she took photos of her children holding out their hands to her, playing and
exploring, she discovered how much joy and wonder there was in her world.
Through the art of gratitude Hailey found herself lifted out of her rut and
celebrating life.”*
If cameras had been available in the first century, I
can imagine the apostle Paul having an album full of reminders of his
gratefulness. There would be pictures of
the churches he had helped to establish.
Scattered throughout would be candid shots of fellow missionaries who
had worked alongside of him in sharing the gospel. Perhaps there would be photos of some of the
places his travels had taken him.
Paul was a grateful man and he encouraged gratefulness
in others (Colossians 3:17). There is
much for which to be thankful in our world.
Sometimes we just have to train our eyes to see it.
God loves you!
Mike
*storiesforpreaching.com
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