1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

One of my favorite songs is "Toast.” Jamaican artist, Mikayla “Koffee” Simpson was only seventeen years old when she wrote the song. It was nominated for the "Best in Reggae Album for the 2020 Grammy Awards. 
 

”Blessings all pon mi life and…Mi tank Gad for di journey di earnings a jus fi di plus...Gratitude is ah must~ “Toast”

At only 17 years old, Koffee understands that the journey we are on is a blessing in itself and the things we acquire along the way are just EXTRA. (Go listen to the song. If you can't understand the words, it will at least make you dance.) 
 

This entire year has been a rollercoaster of emotions, a ball of confusion, anxiety, new beginnings, and feelings of being stuck.  I can't believe I'm saying this, but In retrospect, I am grateful for every part of it. It was all a part of the journey. Friends, we are living through a pandemic -- when we are able to hug each other again without doing that weird thing we do now when we see each other, we will all be more grateful for human touch.

I've been challenged to cultivate a heart of gratitude by an unknown author who wrote these words:

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. 

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. 

Be thankful for the difficult times. 

During those times, you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. 

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. 

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary Because it means you've made a difference. 

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. 

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Let's ”Toast” to the journey! Gratitude is a Must!

Reflection:

Think about the best thing to ever happen to you. How did it make you feel? How grateful were you for this?

Let us pray:

Kind and loving God, thank you for constantly seeking us out even when we omit you from our lives. Help us to cultivate a heart of gratitude on this life's journey, knowing that all that we are and all that we have comes from you. Amen

Blessed Love,
 

Rev. O