Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

Blessed with a good night's rest, a warm bed, food on the table, health, family and friends! Each day whether we realize it our not we have blessings pouring down from our Creator.

I started a brief exercise with my students, having them write down each day for this week what they were grateful for and to give something to someone else that could not be returned. What I hope they learn from this is that they are energized and happiest when being mindful of their blessings and thus creating a grateful heart and helping others.

I shared my gratitude from my recent trip to the states of how grateful I was for a warm, soft bed, with no noise. I slept forever and loved it when I had a chance to return to the states over the holidays. What I explained is that I had taken that luxury for granted until it was gone. Now that I am back in India though I asked what allows me to be happy on my hard bed when often times I am cold? I shared that as I lie in bed on these times of discomfort I think to the kids and families on the river not far from me who are sleeping on the dirt, with no beds and a modicum of blankets to keep warm. Suddenly my bed seems softer and warmer. See it all depends on my view.....

What I am trying to say is that gratitude does not come from having everything perfect or even everything we want. It comes from seeing what we have as a blessing compared to many around us.

I shared another story when growing up to my students about being told as a kid to eat everything on my plate that kids in Africa were starving. They all kinda laughed and I explained that I never really got it, but after being here I can understand better what they were trying to say.

Sometimes in life we have to go through hardships in order to see the good. My prayer is not to have to go that path, but when and if I do I know I will be a kinder, sweeter person for the journey, loving those around me with more gratitude for each day!

May you be blessed with a heart full of gratitude as you look around to all that you have and let those in your circle know how much you love them and how grateful you are to your Creator for allowing you to have another day to share with them!

Love and blessings to all.....http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/r/praisegf.htm