Here’s the paradox: Lent is a serious season, but it is part of a joyful process. Here’s the problem: The stereotypical approach to Lent does nothing for either side of the paradox. You know what I mean. People pick something to “give up for Lent” and they are done. Nothing very serious. Nothing very joyful. […]
A Free Gift! Now That’s Something to Be Thankful For
Nothing sparks gratitude in my heart like a free gift. Well, maybe not just any free gift. Lots of things are given away because people don’t want them — take a look at your local Goodwill drop-off station. Then there are those gifts that seem free but you know they have a hidden price — […]
Lessons in Thankfulness: Teachers
When you are a kid, your teacher makes a world of difference in your life. I have some vivid memories of the horror that was first grade. I was a bright kid, but I had a teacher whom I can’t help but remember as a not-so-green version of the witch from the Wizard of Oz. […]
One Key Step toward a Life of Gratitude
In 1656, English Puritan John Beadle published a book on keeping a journal as a spiritual discipline: The Journal or Diary of a Thankful Christian. To his knowledge and mine, his book was the first on the topic. Ever since, I suppose, Christians have fallen into two camps: Those who like to write in journals and those […]