Let’s be thankful!

The glass is half empty, rather than half full. We compare ourselves to others and we think about what we don’t have, rather than about what we do have.

Gratitude leads to us feeling happier. Ingratitude, moaning and complaining makes us feel miserable – and everyone else around us as well!

“Gratitude is an attitude” – it may not change our circumstances but it will change our way of thinking about our circumstances. Being truly thankful for what we have makes us stronger to face the difficulties that come our way.

How can we become more thankful? Try writing down 2 or 3 things each day that you are thankful for. Express your gratitude – tell the people closest to you what you appreciate about them. Teach our children to say Thank you, not just to be polite but that they might learn to be grateful.

You may have seen an ad on television where children are asked to write a letter to Santa. They ask for things. “Now write a letter to Mum & Dad.” They ask them to spend time together.

“And if you could send only one letter, which would it be?” Their answer invariably is, The letter to Mum & Dad. So, spend time with your children. Talk to them. Listen to them. Play with them. Help them to appreciate what they have, rather than compare themselves to others.

And we need to be thankful to God who gives us our health and strength and all good things. “Sing praises to the Lord and give thanks to his holy name.” (Psalm 30:4). God never promises that we won’t face problems, but when we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ he promises to be with us in them. “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5).

The end of the year is a good time to take stock and to give thanks. So, you are all invited to “AN EVENING OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING” on Sunday, December 27 at 7pm in Bready Reformed Church.

Throughout 2015, the congregation has been “celebrating 250 years of gospel witness”.

A great variety of events has been held, including a book launch in May and hosting the national Synod meetings in June. This praise service, we trust, will be a fitting conclusion to the year-long celebrations. All are welcome. For further information, please phone 028 7184 1192.