Barring the Dark Gate of Ingratitude

"Ungratefulness can become a heart-hardening habit. First comes complaining, then bitterness, anger, then feeling victimized or entitled to things we're just not getting. Covetousness. That mindset stealthily lifts the latch and eases open the dark gate to all kinds of sin." 

~Ellen Vaughn

It's sobering to have God show you how quickly your heart will lift that latch on the dark gate of ingratitude. And when you open it, you might as well say, "C'mon in anger and covetousness. You join us, too. Let's visit for awhile."

One can be a list-maker while far from being a praise-giver. There are those days when you know there's much to be thankful for, but your heart just isn't in it. You see His mercies right before your eyes, but you still cling to thoughts of what isn't. Prayer and repentance, a bold begging of the Lord, are sure ways to warm a freezing, ungrateful heart. You're quickly reminded the joy in the thanks-giving, the desire to cry out to Him, the repentance, they're all of grace. His Spirit at work in you. What a mercy!

Thanks be to God for:

1) News that my Mom might be able to visit in April, oxygen tank and all.
I dream of the moment she'll hold Elijah.
2) A furnace that keeps us warm.
3) Just enough to meet our needs.
4) God's longsuffering nature...how quickly I'd be undone if I got what I deserved.
5) Children who keep me laughing.

6) A camera with which to capture those delightful moments of the everyday.

 Clairesy, who often laughs spontaneously and uncontrollably at dinner. We can't help but follow suit.

 This look in Elijah's eyes...the one that says, "I have everyone in this house completely wrapped around my sweet baby fingers."

 Precious Ella and her LOVE for reading aloud

 My little man Jedediah, who playfully lets me know he's not interested in indulging my Mamarazzi tendencies.

Remembering that life is short and that the time to get pictures with my children is always now.

 Jedediah's little hands holding Elijah's tiny ones.

 This grin and the dimples, too. The way those eyes light up when he sees me, the way his heart beats faster when he hears my voice.

 Sons who are so manly and yet so tender with the little ones.

 Luke's delight in making his Daddy breakfast.

 The assembly line method used to get the pantry organized quickly...or not. It doesn't matter. They had fun and worked cheerfully! Great idea, Emma!

"Gratitude, however, isn’t the fruit of happiness, but its root. When we give thanks, when we look at the world and our place in it realistically, remembering what we are due in ourselves, what we have, and all that we have been promised in Christ, we are astonished, overwhelmed.  And therefore overjoyed."
~R.C. Sproul, Jr.

With love,
Trisha