Cultivating Gratitude in a Chaotic World!

10 Things for which I am Grateful Today

A slender blonde lady came out of her dark-colored SUV, she sighed speaking the thoughts in her head, and she asked, "Can't I catch a break?" I felt so bad for her and echoed her sentiments trying to reassure her. We began inspecting her car. Despite looking closely, we couldn't find any dent in her vehicle, except for a tiny almost invisible scratch on her tire rim! We both couldn't believe it. Click the link to read part 1 of the testimony: Stop, Take A Moment, and Be Grateful.

She said, "Let me try to drive it." It drove perfectly. She asked to exchange contacts just in case. *Terry thanked God for His mercy. I took that opportunity to ask her if she minded if we prayed together. I prayed a thanksgiving prayer, and she was touched by it. Perhaps because it was so unexpected, Terry asked where I went to church. I told her I was a Seventh-day Adventist and where I went to church. She invited me to her church. We then went over to my vehicle and she began to tell me how to get the black marks off my fender. What a surreal conversation at the scene of an accident in a time when people are so anxious,

high-strung, angry, and money-hungry. God has to be the cause. Terry and I hugged each other and promised to meet again.

We both drove off, but I stopped and reflected. This lady could have been a "Karen"; I may have missed going to the health mission but I didn't focus on the possible negative outcomes. God arrested my thoughts upward. I was overcome with emotion as I contemplated God and His love for little me. God's love hugged me and I couldn't deny His tender presence. I recommitted my life anew.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

10 Things for which I am Grateful Today

I am grateful for many reasons, but today I want to share with you 10 things for which I am grateful since that unforeseeable accident.

We are both alive!
No one was injured.
Angels protected our cars. We didn't need to be towed.
God performed a miracle, even to the point where *Terry was "scratching" her head and wondering if we even had an impact.
I got to share a prayer and praise in a very chaotic experience.
I got to the Mission field on time.
The Health Fair was a tremendous success... we were asked to come back Next Year.
I was led to share with Terry a text and a thought: "Ours was a dynamic encounter today. I know the enemy meant it for evil, I KNOW God meant it for our good. Romans 8:28....Pleased to meet you! Have a blessed day in the Lord and stay safe". She responded: "The devil is a liar. Praise God for his mercy. Have a blessed day! I hope you can come to visit her church." I prayerfully promised.
I met a new friend... a Christian friend, and God orchestrated our meeting... For what purpose? I don't know now... yet.
God is good!

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,

to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

Let's Pray!

Thank you, Lord, for teaching us that a spirit of sincere gratitude helps us to place all things and solutions into Your hands. All things may not be good, but we know that ALL things work together for the good of those who love you Father, and appreciate your best gift... Jesus.

In times of trouble, help us to put Your purpose first, even when things look hopeless. It is in prioritizing Your cause that we show true gratitude. May we never tire of cultivating gratitude in a chaotic world...

In Jesus' name, amen!