When I was young my family didn’t have a lot of money. Yet, even having an awareness of it, I didn’t ever feel like I was without. Though looking back, I am sorry that my parents struggled at times, there is a type of gratitude and humility that has stayed with me through the years. In seasons of little and in seasons of plenty. For when I was young, I learned to not envy those that were rich, but to find gratitude in what we did have. Till this day I don’t care about designer things, name brand or the continuous need for the latest and greatest. Though I would be lying if I said there were not times I would like to do more or give more for our family, I also have a genuine amount of gratitude for all that God has given and provides for my family and I. I feel rich in all the purposeful ways and God has been more than generous and kind to us over the years. Friend, look around at your life. Look at what God has blessed you with, most of all, who, He has blessed you with. Also, just being loved and cared for by God, Himself, and Jesus dying for our sins in of itself makes us wealthy beyond measure. I look around at this life that God has blessed me with, I am so very grateful, for God and His compassion and His goodness.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Grateful

James 1:17 NIV

 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Psalm 107:1 NIV

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 103:1-2 NIV

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

Psalm 100:4-5 NIV

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Colossians 3:17 NIV

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Psalm 116:12 NIV

What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?