Life is a journey. Lately mine has been full of bumps and blockades, so I have been doing a morning devotional about gratitude. This morning’s read really hit home with me, and God whispered that I should not keep it to myself, but share it with you. It has been said that I can get a little long-winded, so I’m working on that.

“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We see the slogans meant to encourage us everywhere, “Choose Joy,” “Be a Warrior, not a Worrier,” “Be Strong and Courageous,” “Give Thanks,” and so on. I don’t know about you, but some mornings I wake up and I just can’t. Yep! You read that correctly…”I just can’t” today! For me, there have been a lot of mornings like this lately, which is why I began the gratitude devotional. Today’s reading was about being grateful for the little luxuries in life that are easy to take for granted.

Luxuries? Yes! Most of us wake up and rise from a bed with a mattress, to indoor plumbing, and running water. Then it’s time for coffee (or tea or your own choice), which require a heat source, which requires electricity or a gas powered equipment. After we have fixed our morning beverage, it’s time to settle in and catch up with the latest news and gossip via the TV or Internet. Some of us even work-out before heading to the shower. Working out requires well-fitting clothing and sturdy shoes. Did I mention shower? Ahhh, refreshing warm (or hot) flowing water so we can be squeaky clean for whatever comes next in our day. I think you see where I’m going with this.

It might seem a little silly to say “thank you” for clothing and shoes, electricity, water, plumbing and for all of life’s little luxuries that can be taken for granted. In today’s world of never ending bad news, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Negativity and complaining surround us like plagues.

What makes you smile? A baby’s laughter, a loved one, sunrise or sunset, a tree or flower, a joke? Little luxuries are everywhere. We just need to be mindful that every smile moment in our day is an opportunity to be grateful.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

Today, I encourage you to rise above the noise and choose gratitude for the little luxuries that surround you. Find JOY in your JOurneY. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the whispers you put on my heart, and for the person reading this. Please keep us mindful to choose gratitude and joy when the world is throwing trash at us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.