Mornings With Jesus 2016: 14-Day Reading PlanSample

Many mornings as I look ahead to the day, I imagine how I want to create an atmosphere in our home that welcomes my husband and kids after school and work. I have an image of windows open to soft breezes on mild days with music playing throughout the house. And I’d welcome them, calm and unhurried, because I’ve crossed off everything on my to-do list and have the satisfied feeling of a day well done.

More often than not life doesn’t look like that. I’m typically scrambling to eke out all I can from the last minutes of quiet before the family gets home. Most days, several “should’ves” nag at my peace and pound on my gratitude.

But Colossians 3:16 talks about an atmosphere of richness and singing and gratitude. The verse makes it clear that I have a choice about my frame of mind, which has a rich life separate from circumstances. Perhaps Paul meant gratitude to predetermine our attitude, not to come in after the stresses overwhelm. Might it be that gratitude must come first, before we succumb to busyness?

Psalm 100:4 seems to agree with that idea: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” Not after busyness sets in, but as we enter His gates. Thanksgiving is key as we begin the day He gives us.

There is no better time to be thankful than right now; an attitude of gratitude makes for an atmosphere of welcome. —Erin Keeley Marshall

FAITH STEP: Make a list of the top twenty blessings you’re thankful for. Praise God for each one in prayer, then thank Him for each one first thing tomorrow morning.