EXPRESSING GRATITUDE
Mother Teresa: Do little things in a big way.

2 Thess. 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other are increasing.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
Wm. Arthur Ward

We are all blessed in so many ways. I am an unusual “Nutcase,” in a good way. Today, as I did my errands, I gave myself a goal: Praise and acknowledge anyone that did any kind of service for you today.
So off I went. Rick the tire man said, ”I’m telling Tom to give you 4 new tires for your birthday. You’d better make him a great meal for dinner.” I went back today for my free alignment and said, ”He got lasagna.” Then I proceeded to give him my recipe.” He followed me out to the car, gave me my keys, and exclaimed, “Don’t forget me the next time you make lasagna! LOL!”
He doesn’t know it yet, but I’m bringing him a frozen lasagna tomorrow at work, to take home for dinner.
Today as I was driving, I paused for road consruction. Men with flags were directing traffic.
As I passed by, I put my window down, waved, and yelled thank you to both of them. They looked at me as if I were crazy, but responded with a wave.
Next, at the grocery, my checkout girl was a former Kdg. Student of mine from 20 years ago.
Wendy was born into a very dysfunctional environment. Her father was a huge hoarder; thus, her home, new and beautifully built, looked like a trash dump.
As I approached her, I said a silent prayer for the Holy Spirit to give me the appropriate words. With all of the family dysfunction, she used food as her comfort zone. She weighed close to 300lbs.
I spoke, ”How’s my little girl?” She informed me that she had a son; another way to fill her pain. Also, she included the following facts:
She worked at the grocery for 6 yrs. since high school.
She has no further education.
Her sister (who had a higher level of intelligence) went to school and got engaged.
Her son gives her a purpose.

I asked about her parents, and said, ”Little Girl, this is a very important job! You have no idea how many people you bless on a daily basis! I’m one of them! God bless you, and have a great day.”
HEAVENLY FATHER: I pray for the continued ability to not judge a book by its cover. Help me to see the love and value of each person that touches my life.
In the Precious Name of Jesus, I pray.