It’s been said, “The heart of the matter, is a matter of the heart!” In life there is much we have no control of; for many anxiety abounds because life is “out of control”. The one thing we have 100% control over is our attitude. Our attitude affects our spiritual, physical, and mental health. Attitude is a powerful force in relationships. Attitude affects the heart, and touches the soul. When it comes to “attitude”, the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart!
The attitude that will transform life more than any other is the attitude of gratitude. An attitude of gratitude will give us new eyes to see the world around us; a new strength to embrace the hardships before us; and a new joy that cannot be shaken or destroyed. Henri Nouwen writes,
Gratitude flows from the recognition that who we are and what we have are gifts to be received and shared. Gratitude releases us from the bonds of obligation and prepares us to offer ourselves freely and fully for the work of the kingdom. . . . The more we touch the intimate love of God which creates, sustains, and guides us, the more we recognize the multitude of fruits that come forth from that love. (A Spirituality of Fundraising, p. 57)
An attitude of gratitude frees us to experience a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, and encounter anew the power of God’s love; so that, “coming and going, we can remain secure in God’s love with our hearts set joyfully on the kingdom.” (A Spirituality of Fundraising, p. 58) Possessing an attitude of gratitude we live into the reality of what it means to be created in the “image and likeness of God”!
“The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart”, with grateful hearts we are transformational agents in our culture, partners with God to bring God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven!
In Christ,
Pastor Doug