Grace and gratitude belong together like heaven and earth.
Grace evokes gratitude like the voice and echo.
Gratitude follows grace as thunder follows lightening.
-Karl Barth
I love this quote from theologian Karl Barth, it offers a beautiful image of the connection between grace and gratitude. The link is logical, grace begets gratitude, and gratitude follows grace. How have you experienced God's grace today? I have some relentlessly loving people in my life who always show up, and seem to know when I need an extra bit of encouragement. They are the presence of God's grace to me when I can't always find it.
Who are the grace-bearers in your life these days? Have you been able to take note of them now that things are moving at a different speed? Have you been able to offer grace to someone that might need some help finding it?
What is the relationship between grace and gratitude for you, and how is it being made manifest in your life currently? One of the most helpful spiritual practices I engage in before I go to sleep each day, is to reflect on my gratitude - taking note of the entire day and those moments or conversations for which I am most grateful. This helps me recognize the presence and activity of God, even if a day is long or difficult.
Psalm 136 offers us a beautiful reminder:
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
So this evening, let's take a few minutes and give thanks to our good God, whose love endures forever. Let's also give thanks for the people who teach us the importance of grace, God gently places these people in our lives to encourage us to keep on, keeping on.
And maybe, just maybe, you've been called to be the grace of God for someone too. Let's keep our hearts open for these grace and gratitude opportunities. Especially important in these challenging days.
Grateful for YOU!
Pastor Devon
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