How Flossing Taught Me Gratitude

Colossians 1:10-12
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

The more grateful I am, the more joy that fills my heart. 

I was flossing my teeth the other day and admit I was complaining about how much I dislike the process of shoving string between my teeth. My husband, with great wisdom, reminded me to be thankful I still have my original teeth to floss. I needed to hear those words.

Gratitude results in joy. This deep satisfaction, contentment, encouragement, and peace are not brought on by the temporary. Pure joy is knowing no matter what, Jesus loves me. The joy I have in Jesus goes deeper than happiness, it flows from the inside out by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. It’s a satisfaction and confidence in God’s grace.

Paul reminds me in Colossians to give joyful thanks to God. Not begrudging, but joyful. Not complaining, but thankful. I truly am grateful I still have the teeth I’ve had for many years. Even more, I’m thankful for the joy which bubbles deep in my heart as a child of God.

One way to show gratitude to God is to pour joy into other people. This season be alert to the needs of others and offer a helping hand with a grateful heart.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.