Gratitude

–Dietrich Bonhoeffer

There are several interesting implications and questions that come out of this quote.

He seems to be indicating that there is life that is ‘ordinary’ and then logically something that’s ‘extraordinary’, or out of the ordinary.

He is also implying that ‘receiving’ and ‘giving’ are a natural part of life.

Finally, there is a concept or mindset of ‘gratitude’ that acts as a catalyst for ‘richness’ in life.

Into the Word

Paul tells us to ‘give thanks’ in all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:18  In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

That opens the door for a lot of ‘stuff’ that we may not want to give thanks for. We’ll talk about that as well as what that all looks like for us. Well also, look into how this ‘giving thanks’ relates to our tithes and offerings.

“Every good thing given, and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].” James 1:17

This truth is powerful, not just as a nice platitude to post on our wall, but as a reality to live by with intentionality because it opens the door to a richness of life we can’t get through our own efforts even though they are good.

Without gratitude, it all settles back on us, and our satisfaction is short lived because the source is in ourselves. And we all know how shallow and unreliable we are at times.

This month we’re going to dive into all of this and work on how to develop a lifestyle of gratitude and thanksgiving and what that should look like Biblically.

Into the Workplace

What things in our daily work activities and details should we be giving thanks for? What should we be offering up, or setting aside to the Lord?

How does giving thanks relate to stress and ‘burnout’?

Is our daily routine adding intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical energy to our heart, to our soul, or are we operating on the edge of ‘burnout’? Wherever we land in that equation, we need to realize how much of an effect we’re having on our families, friends and co-workers, as well as our ability to truly enjoy our work.

If we hit burnout, we’ll have a serious ‘reboot’ to deal with in each of those realms.

This month we’ll have a guest who coaches ‘High Achievers’ as they seek to avoid Burnout.

This will be an encouraging and informative time!