Attitude of Gratitude
In Masterlife, one of the classes we are taking as part of the discipleship program, we went through a devotional this past week focusing on praying in faith. On one of the days, the author of the workbook we are using shared a story of a person who was once brushing his teeth and suddenly thought about what if the following day he would only have what he was thankful for the previous day. He started being thankful for his teeth, eyes, arms, etc. Therefore, we were asked to think about what we have been taking for granted and we should be thankful for. Friends, I wrote down!
Growing up in a culture that did not celebrate making new friends, I rarely thought of being grateful for my friends, particularly those I didn’t think were close friends. In fact, when I first got in the U.S. I thought that people were overreactive in that they would make a big deal out of making new friends. But now, I am very grateful not only for the close friends I have, but also for acquaintances and every kind of relationship I have developed. I thought of this because I have come to realize the importance of valuing friendships, especially in ministry.This is why I am grateful that I am with IFI and that I have come to learn that friendships are a big part of ministry. This distinctly struck me when I was preparing to share my testimony in the new volunteers training session. I thought about how I grew up as a nominal Christian, and how my coming to faith was immensely linked to me being in a community of believers and having friends who are truly followers of Christ. Love and care of my believing friends attracted me to the loving God. That is why I am striving to do the same with every friend I make. God help me!
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says: “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I thank God that I realized that I needed to be grateful for friendships. I wish to have a grateful attitude towards everything, and I hope that it doesn’t just stop at what I perceive to be good for me. I am grateful that it is all about friendships at IFI!