An Attitude Of Gratitude
(From the November 2013 Heartland America Newsletter)
“Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only he can see.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom
The world that most of us live in is like one long super-highway experience. Everything and everybody is moving at break-neck speed. I keep this snapshot in my mind of how it was in some of the large cities we have passed through over the years. You had to be aware—all the time—of where you were, which lane you needed to be in, and who was coming at you. The entrance ramps to the freeway systems were launching pads more than anything else.
While serving in California, where we were prone to travel long distances between our visits, Adana and I came to sort of a “traveling” agreement. She would drive on the open roads, and I would take over when we hit the outskirts of the large cities. I can almost hear the snap of the seat belt buckle, and the surge of the engine as I entered one of those launching ramps that would propel us into a flurry of vehicles, all of which were going somewhere - fast! This was a time for “present tense” concentration.
I have come to the conclusion that our sense of NOW (the present) is the most fleeting part of our life. In one sense, our present represents the shortest frame of reality for us. Our NOW is constantly being pushed by the past, and the pulled by our future. It is a fact that we cannot hold on to the present, for, in the blink of an eye, it becomes our past, and we are literally being flung into the future.
It is not my intention to get into some sort of a whole life philosophy discussion. It is, however, my full intention to emphasize the truth of valuing the NOW in our life. Corrie Ten Boom’s statement above holds within it a powerful truth. First, God has a perfect plan for us.
It is a certainty that our Heavenly Father goes about prepping us for His plan for our life in a most interesting manner. I am convinced that He brings GOOD into our lives and allows BAD to touch us through our experience with the people that cross our paths throughout our life.
Oh, how sweet are the thoughts of the now hundreds and hundreds of people that have come through my life that have blessed me so much. Their tenderness, generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness is like a spring of life-giving water that nourishes and refreshes my heart and life on a daily basis.
And, oh, how bitter tasting are my memories of the few that offered the opposite of all the positive and powerful qualities that I mentioned above. Their harshness, deception, trickery, and rejection still pierces my soul. I fully admit the unkind words, and their calculating, and scheming ways, still bring a shudder to my spirit. And, a “Why” flashes into my mind when I think of how hard I worked, and how much I sacrificed to gain their favor and respect, only to be the recipient of their spiteful ways.
I am remembering those “Now” moments here. The vast majority of those fleeting now moments brings a softness to my heart, and an unspoken “thank you” follows quickly behind those memories. Those hurtful moments, however, may well have been my best life teacher.
How can we truly appreciate the goodness of life that comes through people unless we have something in sharp contrast with which to compare them. How can we truthfully, in all sincerity, have a positive ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE if we haven’t experienced the emotion and pain of rejection? How can we truly enjoy the warm glow of summer’s sunlight unless we have some recollection of bite of winter’s icy breath?
Corrie Ten Boom may have received a point of knowledge and inspiration from the Apostle Paul’s comment in Romans 8: 28. Paul said... “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.”
Oh, how sweet are the thoughts of the now hundreds and hundreds of people that have come through my life that have blessed me so much. Their tenderness, generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness is like a spring of life-giving water that nourishes and refreshes my heart and life on a daily basis.
And, oh, how bitter tasting are my memories of the few that offered the opposite of all the positive and powerful qualities that I mentioned above. Their harshness, deception, trickery, and rejection still pierces my soul. I fully admit the unkind words, and their calculating, and scheming ways, still bring a shudder to my spirit. And, a “Why” flashes into my mind when I think of how hard I worked, and how much I sacrificed to gain their favor and respect, only to be the recipient of their spiteful ways.
I am remembering those “Now” moments here. The vast majority of those fleeting now moments brings a softness to my heart, and an unspoken “thank you” follows quickly behind those memories. Those hurtful moments, however, may well have been my best life teacher.
How can we truly appreciate the goodness of life that comes through people unless we have something in sharp contrast with which to compare them. How can we truthfully, in all sincerity, have a positive ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE if we haven’t experienced the emotion and pain of rejection? How can we truly enjoy the warm glow of summer’s sunlight unless we have some recollection of bite of winter’s icy breath?
Corrie Ten Boom may have received a point of knowledge and inspiration from the Apostle Paul’s comment in Romans 8: 28. Paul said... “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.”
"… And we know"
This verse in the Bible introduces a source of consolation and support drawn from the fact that all things are under the direction of an infinitely wise Being who has purposed the salvation of the Believer, and who has appointed ALL THINGS that they shall contribute to that purpose.
This verse in the Bible introduces a source of consolation and support drawn from the fact that all things are under the direction of an infinitely wise Being who has purposed the salvation of the Believer, and who has appointed ALL THINGS that they shall contribute to that purpose.
"… all things"
This includes all our afflictions and trials; all the persecutions and calamities to which we are exposed. Though they are many, and long-continued, yet they are among the means that are appointed for our welfare.
This includes all our afflictions and trials; all the persecutions and calamities to which we are exposed. Though they are many, and long-continued, yet they are among the means that are appointed for our welfare.
"… work together for good"
They shall cooperate; they shall mutually contribute to our good. They take away our affections from this world; they teach us truth about our frail, temporary condition; they lead us to look to God for support, and to heaven for a final home; and they produce a subdued spirit, a humble outlook, a patient, tender, and kind disposition. This has been the experience of all true believers; and at the end of life they have been able to say it was good for them to have been molded by the hard things in life.
They shall cooperate; they shall mutually contribute to our good. They take away our affections from this world; they teach us truth about our frail, temporary condition; they lead us to look to God for support, and to heaven for a final home; and they produce a subdued spirit, a humble outlook, a patient, tender, and kind disposition. This has been the experience of all true believers; and at the end of life they have been able to say it was good for them to have been molded by the hard things in life.
"… to them that love God"
This is characteristic of true Christianity. To this person, afflictions will prove to be blessings. To others, they often prove otherwise. On others they are seen as chastisements; and they produce complaining; instead of peace, rebellion; instead of submission, anger, impatience, and hatred, instead of calmness, patience and love. We must apply ourselves to understanding these principles that we may maintain an attitude of gratitude.
This is characteristic of true Christianity. To this person, afflictions will prove to be blessings. To others, they often prove otherwise. On others they are seen as chastisements; and they produce complaining; instead of peace, rebellion; instead of submission, anger, impatience, and hatred, instead of calmness, patience and love. We must apply ourselves to understanding these principles that we may maintain an attitude of gratitude.
I want to conclude my comments by saying that Adana and I have enjoyed our work in Heartland America. We love this part of the world that offers so much diversity. We love the seasons of the year. But, most of all, we have enjoyed the love of the people of the Heartland. The only attitude that I have regarding our work together is one of true gratitude. What an honor it is to work side by side with our pastors and church family.
We pray that you will have a blessed Thanksgiving season with your family and your friends. Enjoy the NOW moments for they will soon be the past. Make good memories by speaking hope and life.
~ Wayne Pense, Heartland America Regional Overseer
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