You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us, for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11-12
Dear members and friends,
A long time ago, I felt that I had nothing to be thankful for; not for any person or any Heavenly Being. Instead, I felt that all I had in my heart was complaints. My life happened by the decision of two people, whom I call parents. Then, it was ruined by the decisions of the same two people. The only thing that was left for me to feel and experience was abandonment and disappointment, which eventually gave birth to unquenchable anger. Thus, it took me an especially long time to acknowledge and accept the principle of having a grateful heart.
In my understanding, the grateful heart does not stem from having a better life, having more than others, or even necessarily having things go my way. In other words, the real grateful heart does not result from human reasoning of gaining something valuable, special, or beneficial. The grateful heart is not easily discouraged or diminished by time or by influences of events. Thus, the simple and profound acknowledgment of the preciousness of life itself should be its foundation. Despite the many challenges and disappointments that might accompany our life, life itself is an amazing miracle with many possibilities. If we were to simply acknowledge the preciousness of life and all the possible joys and delights that might be available for us to experience, living and existing could be the core of being grateful.
My brothers and sisters in God, let us take a moment of reflection this week. Let us take a good look at our own life itself, which is a precious gift from God. May your heart be filled with gratefulness as you see how much beauty and delight surround your life.
With gratitude,
Rev. Junchol Lee