November 2015
Reflections of God's Goodness
Do you find the ‘entitlement mentality’ disturbing? Are you worried about the next generation, those who do not seem to be able to wait for anything? Are we guilty of enabling them as parents or grandparents who take delight in giving them what they want? How easily a young person expresses what they ‘need’. “My phone broke, I have to have a new one today!”
Many of us grew up in a time when hard work was valued and gratitude was a virtue to be cultivated. We were taught early in life to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. We often had to wait for the things we wanted. Has it really changed? Is the ‘entitlement mentality’ part of the human condition?
God created a wonderful world and everything in it. The sun rises, the stars shine, flowers bloom and babies smile—all to give glory to God and pleasure to humans. Everything is a gift.
If we aren’t careful, the ‘entitlement mentality’ can creep into our relationship with God. How often do we say ‘thank you’ for the many blessings we enjoy? Do we take His gifts for granted? Do we realize that life, prayer, health, the world we live in, family and friends are gifts to us from a loving Parent?
How often we forget the source of our blessing. Jesus healed ten lepers. Imagine receiving a dramatic healing like that. Would you soon forget the source of the healing and get on with your life? Jesus said: “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17) This kind of forgetfulness is as common today as it was in Jesus’ day.
It seems to me that November is the perfect time to renew the habit of gratitude in our life. Traditionally, it is the month to be thankful. Take this opportunity to give thanks to God for all His goodness to you. Beginning on day one, list something you are thankful for each day.
…Give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
For some of us, it can help to have visual reminders as we practice being grateful. Post your list in a place where you will see it every day—perhaps on the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror! Not only will you be reminded to add to the list, but you will see what you were thankful for yesterday and the day before!
I pray that our efforts to recognize the goodness and generosity of our God will multiply the gratefulness in our hearts and minds.
Happy Thanksgiving—everyday!
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn
Director of Development
All good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above.
So thank the Lord, O, thank the Lord for all his love.
