LIFE happened in a big way at the end of 2019 and it pushed me to be more reflective about some of the habits, people, and attitudes that I want to take into 2020. This is not about New Year’s resolutions which I generally believe are reso-wishes. With that thought as a back drop, I will be sharing 7 practices over the next 7 days that I want to be a hallmark of my life for 2020. I am hoping that my sharing will spark you to do some reflection (develop and implement some changes) and if you have done something similar already that you will feel encouraged knowing others are joining you. Be assured that the blog will return to weekly next Monday.

GRATITUDE TO GRACE

Difficult people and situations are a reality of life. How I respond is decidedly a choice. I want to develop the practice of being grateful in those difficult places.

A pet peeve of mine is the slow cashier at the grocery store. A bigger pet peeve is the customer who seems to have forgotten that some form of payment will be required for their purchases until they hear or see the total. Rather than being irritated (current state), I can choose to be grateful for functioning eyes and ears to hear and see what is happening in the moment. I can choose to be grateful for the resources to pay for my purchases. I can choose to be grateful that the customer and I live in a place where we have a well- stocked grocery store. The things to be grateful for are numerous.

Reflecting upon all that I must be grateful for, leads me to look more favorably on the cashier (I don’t know his/her story) or have patient thoughts toward the customer – that’s called grace. My inner gratitude pushes me toward a grace-filled attitude for others! I want to be a grace-filled person! Will you join me in this quest?

James 4:6