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Day 2: Working on the Attitude of the Heart

“Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son”
By Henry Smith

I can’t remember when I first learned this song, but it has been on my heart the last few weeks.  I’m always in awe of how powerful lyrics can be, but they tend to get lost in the music.  When I stop and think about how powerful that very first line is, words are at a loss.  How often do we give thanks, but we’re too distracted to be sincere?  Most of us have been taught manners from an early age and ‘thank you’ is common place.  But is it said with a grateful heart?  Are we truly giving thanks and being utterly grateful?

As I journey through this season of lent, this song hasn’t been far from my thoughts.  It reminds me to reflect on what I’m giving thanks for and to be vigilent with the attitude of my heart.  Just last night, attending Ash Wednesday services, my daughter was more interested in moving around then attending to the service.  Throughout the service, I had to keep my attitude in check and remind myself to give thanks that we were even able to attend such a service; to fellowship with multiple other believers and to do so freely without fear.  On the drive home, I had to reflect on my attitude.  I hadn’t complained about my daughter’s activeness, but neither had I had a grateful heart in giving thanks for the time spent with her. 


To have a grateful heart while giving thanks takes work.  It takes reflecting upon the attitude of your heart, not just your mindset or verbalization of thanks.  To live with a grateful heart means overhauling your present mind set and working each day and each moment to change for the better and live for the Lord.  #livewithagratefulheart #lent2017 #40daysgrateful
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