Colossians 2:6-7

6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Recently I have been reflecting on how gratitude relates to trusting in the Lord. In my reflection, I was reminded of times when life was hard. When we are in those times of darkness, the light is hard to see. Gratitude is not even on the radar because I am so focused on the negative aspects of the situation. Let me ask you, when was it hard to even think of something you were thankful for? How do we get to a place of thankfulness when we are in a place of sorrow, anger, sadness, ect? I have realized when gratitude becomes my default setting life changes!

One time in my life of many when gratitude was not on the radar was when my mom was very sick. I was the caretaker of my mother, yet I was only in high school. All my mind focused on was how sick my mom was and how angry I was at life! In the midst of my anger and sorrow, my youth leader challenged me to start my day writing 5 blessings in a journal from the day before. My thought was, how do I even get to five? Yet, if you know me, I am always up for a challenge!

As I grew in finding blessings in my life my mindset gradually strengthened in love and thoughts of gratitude. This transformed my world. As my thankfulness grew at the same time my trust in the Lord was refined and strengthened. I believe when you are overflowing with thankfulness you will be overflowing with love and trust in the Lord. Gratitude and strength can go hand in hand. I believe being rooted and built up in Him can be strengthened by remembering your blessings! Gratitude transforms our mindset which in turn changes our lives!

When gratitude becomes your default setting life changes! Some of you may ask, what is a default setting? A default setting is a setting automatically given to a program or device. A default setting for each of us is our normal behavior and reactions. Having a default setting of gratitude in your life will allow you to be transformed to see the good first instead of the bad. A default of thankfulness can be done. One simple way I am reminded to be thankful is the home screen on my phone says “surrender.” This reminds me to be thankful and trust in the Lord every time I look at my phone.

What are you grateful for today? Write down 5 blessings in your life today! I challenge you to do this every day for thirty days. This will allow you to see love, thankfulness, and peace first!

Finding “rest” always has been important to me. One of my favorite ways to find rest is through hiking. Thanksgiving weekend was no different. Prior to snapping that image, I noticed that it was going to be a full moon with a clear sky.

I had decided to go on a short hike that night. As I was walking, however, I realized how bright the moonlight was in the darkness of the woods. I did not even need a flashlight to help because the “one bright light” in the sky was all by which I needed to see. And so, I took a moment to take this picture and to reflect on what an amazing experience it is to have the moon “be my light.” That realization then transitioned to giving thanks to God for His ultimate love by bringing us hope and peace through His Son!

Where do you find hope and peace?

One light, in pure darkness, is stronger than the rest of the sky. 

During that hike, I was reminded of the Christmas season. One light, in pure darkness, is stronger than the rest of the sky. This light reminded me of the hope we have because of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
 
And so, Christmas means God being with us and for us by sending His Son to us. Christmas is the reminder of God’s Light which reconciles His sinful world to Himself.

God’s Light brought by and through Christ is extended to all of humanity. His Light brings us hope, which in turn brings us peace and joy. Just like on my hike, the moonlight gave me peace and reminded me of hope; and for all of us, Christ’s Light reminds us that peace and hope are possible!

May the lights of this season warm your hearts, reminding you that peace is possible. The Light of the world lives in us and may the Hope you have through the Holy Spirit prompt you to offer peace to others and to find peace for yourself. Not a peace like the world offers but peace from God our Father. May you have a peace that always has its eyes on God. May the hope you have in Christ provide you with peace and love to share. Be the moonlight for others to see the marvelous light. Amen.