Gratitude

Recap – This month we are doing our traditional deep dive into the practice of gratitude with the theme “Look At God. Today’s theme – Get Your Mind Right

Exegesis –

 Look at God – traditional African-American phrase in the same boat as “Won’t He Do It”

 Attitude of Gratitude – What does it take to root ourselves in gratitude? For that to be

the first thing that we think of

 Caution – There is the potential to ignore reality, create a fantasy world – that is not

what I am advocating

 To draw from the depths of the Black spiritual tradition and lean into a practice we

really need in these times

 This is not the gratitude of self-help apps but one rooted in a clear picture of who Jesus

is and how we are called to follow his example.

Key Points

1. Look At Jesus’ example – Literally Look At God. Look at how Jesus did it and do our best

to pattern ourselves after him. It is very hard to do, but it is what we are called to do.

2. Look at the Ancestors that Came Before You – We have historical examples and we

have people that we have often seen up close in personal who have lived this out.

Rather than seeing them as exceptions, can we pattern our lives after them.

3. Look at the Ways that You Have Grown – When you wonder if you can do it, sometimes

the best thing is to look back over how far you have already come and see the ways that you have already grown. That allows you to be grateful for what has already shifted in your life and to carry an attitude of gratitude into the present.

Rooting ourselves in gratitude is absolutely important in this time more than ever. There is

anger all around us. The anger is also rooted in fear. Gratitude can give us a pathway to a kind

of love that we so desperately need.

Reflections Questions

1. Look at Jesus – How can you use his example of both showing a deep gratitude for his

calling and relationship with God while sitting with and loving folks who would hurt and

betray him?

2. Take this time to reflect on someone in your life who embodies an attitude of gratitude.

How can you draw on them as an example for how you want to go deeper in your

gratitude practice?

3. Maybe you already know how you need to lean into a deeper practice of gratitude. Take some time to write out what goals you want to set and concrete steps you might take during this month. (Hopefully you can share these during the reflection time.)