5th November 2025

The other day I passed an intersection where an accident had occurred. I thought about when my son was younger, and he experienced four accidents – two his fault – with the last one resulting in the car being damaged beyond repair and my son having to hitch rides. And then I felt such gratitude that none of his accidents had resulted in injuries. My daughter had a couple as well, with only slight injuries. These happened many years ago, but when I said thank you to God, I thought of the king in the book of Esther, who remembered how Mordecai had uncovered a plot to assassinate him. He belatedly honoured Mordecai, and you probably know the rest of the story. 

Life seems to be moving at the speed of light, and we can find ourselves rushing from one activity or appointment to another with no time to slow down and think, let alone enjoy just being alive. Much has been written about gratitude, and I can’t add anything new, but perhaps I can remind you (and myself) that it’s hard to be grateful if we never slow down enough to remember how much God has done for us throughout our lives. Perhaps it would do us good to take a few moments every day to look back and thank him for protecting us or our children/family/friends. Take a minute to say thank you for your morning tea and toast and how he has provided for you all of your life. Remind yourself of his promises and be thankful that we know he always keeps his word. 

Living with a mindset of gratitude means we need to – yes, I’m going to say it – stop and smell those roses, look up at the moon and stars, notice the cool breeze on your face, savour the aroma of freshly baked bread, look around at the colours of the earth and sky – and slow down long enough to say thank you to our great, generous and loving God, who is the giver of every precious gift we’ve ever received. Thank you, Lord.

First published on 8 October 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church