Gratefulness

by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

During the month of November I was encouraged to share something I was grateful to God for each morning. As my focus remained on gratefulness, I immediately noticed a positive change throughout my day. When a challenging or difficult situation would arise, instead of thinking negatively, I began to ask myself in what way I could be grateful. It wasn’t always easy or automatic, yet as I determined to faithfully seek God’s goodness in every situation (and at times prayed for His help to see it), He was faithful to bless it. 

When I found myself tempted to melt down over my family’s seemingly impossible schedule, I turned to gratefulness; only then did my perspective become one of blessing over the amazing events, activities, and ministries we are allowed to be a part of. When discouragement sought to block me from finding a resolution to a situation, appreciating that we serve a God who is in every detail and has all of the answers, I quickly reclaimed hope. An attitude of gratefulness is a choice, one which has revealed to me a greater awareness of God’s presence, power, and activity in every area of my life.  

King David realized and repeatedly confirmed that his complete dependence was on God, and that everything was from God. He acknowledged God in each victory or defeat, blessing or tough lesson. Out of a grateful heart he wrote the most beautiful and eloquent Psalms in the face of evil and threat of death, as well as when he experienced peace and prosperity. Like David, we too should be grateful when our character is strengthened through trials, because through them we are becoming more like Christ. May we also endeavor to be grateful for the many discipleship opportunities our children present, for they are still in our homes where we have the privilege of speaking God’s truth into their lives. 

Each day as we prepare ourselves for the blessings and battles ahead, along with the armor of God, we should perhaps add an accessory. I propose adding a wristwatch of gratefulness, so that at all times we too will proclaim “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 

This Christmas, may we all be mindful that every good and perfect gift is from above, ​


– Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal