Gratitude   As we celebrate Thanksgiving which is my favorite holiday, not because of the food, but because the day forces us to focus on being grateful.  Gratitude is a spiritual discipline or habit.  It is a loving and thankful response toward God for his presence with us and within this world.  We do not just thank God for his blessings, but we delight in God and his good will.  That is at the heart of thankfulness.  Thanksgiving is possible not because everything goes perfectly, but because God is present and cares for us deeply.  It is easy to be addicted to criticism, analysis and negativity.  One excellent practice is to keep a gratitude journal, recording God's presence and abundances.  Let gratitude to God and people become a daily practice.  You will never regret it.  Love in Christ, Pastor Jerry