Pastor's Corner Sept. 1

"gra·mer·cy"

Used to express surprise or gratitude. Middle English gramerci, from Old French grand merci: grand, great; see grand + merci, thanks; 1. many thanks 2. an expression of surprise, wonder."

Have you ever wondered, “What is it that makes people thankful? Why are those with the most blessings often ungrateful folks? Why is it that the Lord has provided such gramercy in my life?”

"...in order to achieve contentment, one should cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson often explored the meaning of a good life in his writings. He helps us consider the best ways to count our blessings.

Bottom line: expressing thanks can lead to a healthier, happier life.

Sometimes we see life as a series of problems that have to be solved. Problems often cause stress. The best antidote for stress? Gratitude.

We can celebrate the little things in life. Small acts of kindness make a difference in a big way when it comes to cultivating gramercy.

Thankful people make it a habit to acknowledge and pay forward each bit of kindness that comes their way. It might be as simple as a word of encouragement, a compliment, helping a neighbor in need or sending flowers when least expected.

Even in the realm of relationships, whether romantic or not, the little things and expressing "everyday" gratitude enhance the connection between people and offer hope.

Try offering heartfelt words of gratitude every day to those we love – and even to those we may not know, or may not even like that well!

Expressing appreciation for loved ones can also help create a closeness by allowing others to see how we look at them. More than any other emotion, gratitude is the glue and the steadfastness of friendship.

Those who give back often feel grateful for the experience of helping others. Often service to others helps us find our own inner spirituality. We realize, without thinking about it or seeking it, that we become more grateful people in the process.

In addition, we can be like Jesus – climb a mountain, walk to the village, row a boat, listen carefully, offer hope, love all we meet!

The Lord was a man on the move. Read through the gospels sometime and just focus on his journeys. Often a transitional comment such as"...let us go to the neighboring towns..." (Mark 1:38) meant a walk of several hours.

Many of us have learned that gratitude and fitness can go hand-in-hand. When we exercise - or just move more - we feel better, and are more likely to be thankful. Sometimes our most vocal complaining comes simply from not feeling well – not getting the blood moving. My wife's sister in the Philippines walks 90 minutes each way to teach children who live in the mountains. She is one of the most grateful people I know!

Exercising has been proven to clear our minds and reduce stress, all key components in creating a spirit of gratitude. Thankful people who move their bodies – dance, walk, stretch, go up and down the steps, anything – experience an overall healthier mind and body, improving their attitude of gratitude.

There you have it – go forth as grateful people!

A Prayer of gramercy: Lord, we thank you for always being there for us – guiding us, encouraging us, comforting us and blessing us. In Jesus' name we pray, with gramercy. Amen.

Pastor John Cross,

Selbu Lutheran Church