Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude
David Salvatelli
November 19, 2009
Filed under Commentary, Uncategorized
Do you see the world through rose-colored lenses or dark sunglasses? Is your glass half empty or half full? Are you more concerned with the quantity of its contents or the quality?
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I’ve learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12
According to Paul, contentment while living with plenty or in poverty is a question of perception: what feels like lack to one may be luxury to another. The secret, Paul reveals in verse 13, lies in relying on Christ’s strength to see you through: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” It is possible–even probable–that his prayers for provision went unanswered until he became satisfied with his circumstances to the point of being grateful for them.
Art professor and theologian, Johannes Gaertner, said that “To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.” Realizing that our attitude determines our altitude, if we truly want to ‘touch Heaven’ then we need to heed this exhortation–and Paul’s example–to embrace an attitude of gratitude.
Let’s make the most of this Thanksgiving season to polish up our perceptions and adjust our attitudes, to become a little less grudging and a lot more grateful. Then, no matter what our circumstances may be, we can find peace and comfort in them.
“Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”—Philippians 4:6-7
______________________________________________________________________________
David Salvatelli is the director of advancement and has been committed to the mission of CCA since its inception. If you have questions about CCA or this Commentary, please contact him at davids@ccaeagles.org or 954-315-4330.