Gratitude is a choice

WESTLAND – As a Christian woman, pastor's wife, mother, daughter, nurse, and all the other titles that I hold, I’m grateful for so many things. Those blessings that God gives is only because of my strong faith in Jesus Christ. Out of everything else that I do in my life, my first job is to be a follower of Christ.

Nothing else matters if Christ isn’t the head of your life because he is the one that does the ultimate planning of my everyday steps. I am called to live a life full of gratitude because of all that God does for me on a regular basis.

Gratitude is not just a feeling, but a choice. It’s a mindset that recognizes the blessings and goodness of God in our lives, even amid challenges. We all experience challenges at times, even as a pastor’s family, this Christian life isn’t always perfect for anyone, but through the ups and downs of life I must thank God for my salvation and his death on the cross for me because life could be a whole lot worse.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever. I thank the Lord everyday for his faithfulness. His faithfulness allows me to remember. Psalm 107:1 

"The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you."

Deuteronomy 31:8 (CSB) 

I don’t have to worry or fight my own battles because the Lord goes before me to do that part.

Every day that I wake up I must thank God for all the “Gifts” that he has given me. Yes, I call them gifts for me to enjoy and take care of while I am here on earth because God didn’t have to give them to me.

I am speaking of my family. I thank God for my husband and my children every day. My parents are truly a blessing and help so much with our children. They are a big part of our village, and help so much with raising our children. God is so wonderful. I truly live a grateful life, and I give all the glory to God.

As I write this, I can hear this Scripture:

"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

I Thessalonians 5:16-18, (CSB).

Here are a few ways to cultivate your gratefulness to God in your life:

• Daily reflection: Take time to reflect on the blessings that God has given you.

• Journaling: Prayer boards (listing people that you’ve prayed for, prayers answered) Journal books. (daily journal entries)

• Prayer: We should continuously be in conversation with the Lord. A deep relationship and connection show our gratefulness to Him.

• Serving others: Helping in your church or your community where help is needed. Give back a little bit of what God has given to you. God wants our time, talent, and treasure.

I am grateful for so much of what the Lord has done for me and what He is doing for me behind the scenes. I know I don’t deserve any of it, and that’s what makes me so grateful for the life  He gives me. I am a sinner in need of a savior. He came and saved me from my sins and now I can live forever with him in heaven. Being grateful allows us to witness to others along the way and bring other people to Jesus Christ. We can do his works by reflecting his goodness to the world.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Wimberly is the 1st Lady of One Mission Church in Westland. Jessica and Pastor Antonio have 4 children, Savanah 18, Antonio ll 11, Alexandria 1, and Anthony 7 months. Jessica is the Director of the Children’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, and Assists with the Media Ministry at One Mission Church. A nurse by profession, loves art and spending lots of time with her family. Outside of family time, she enjoys arts and crafts, writing, fellowship with her church family, and helping seniors in the community.

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