It was a beautiful fall morning, brighter than usual. Moments earlier, I dropped my kids at school, said thank you to the crossing guard, and began my morning walk. We have trails in our neighborhood, and I’m grateful for a path to move with as I sort through soul clutter.
My legs move, and my eyes scan the surroundings.
I breathe in big, overcome with a sense of gratefulness.
For air to fill my lungs.
For legs to walk down the path.
For a body that moves.
For eyes to behold the beauty all around me.
In this moment, I thank God for these things which I often take for granted: air, lungs, legs, a body, eyes.
When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”
G.K. Chesterson
The lyric “It’s your breath in our lungs” comes to mind.
The very air we breathe is supplied so constantly, I often fail to recognize the source. God breathed life into man, filling Adam’s lungs with air. And he does the same for you and me, day after day. Even as we sleep through the night, air is supplied for our existence.
Have you ever had difficulty breathing? Maybe from a stuffy nose or asthma or a serious condition? Two of my three boys experienced breathing problems at birth. While in the NICU, they were hooked up to machines and laid in specific positions to help their lungs get the air they needed.
Moments like these illustrate the vitality of air, giving a framework of the necessity I scarcely think about. On my recent morning walk, I did think about air. Something about the morning and the moment beckoned me to look beyond my rote thankfuls. The air I breathe is supplied by God alone. He formed my lungs to receive oxygen and my body to function as a result.
I inhale with gratitude.
And I’m conscious about how I exhale.
I want to pour out praise, not withhold worship.
God created us, breathed air into our being, for His glory and purposes, not ours. He loved us long before we took our first breath.
To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.”
Thomas Merton
Could you use a breath of fresh gratitude? I’ve created resources to help us be more intentional in growing in our gratefulness.
May gratefulness fill us to the brim so praise overflows.
12 Scriptures for Thanksgiving to inspire a Heart of Gratitude
A glimpse of how God is working for my good and his glory
Free Grateful printables are available in the Freebies Library. For access, sign up below.
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