In Making Room I quoted Charles Edward Jefferson who said, “Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.”
In the CSLI devotional, the author writes this:
Jesus’ yoke is easy and light not because of what it demands, but what it brings—a relationship with God as our Father. Jesus mediates the presence of God in our lives—a presence that gives the rest of security and significance, peace and joy in the gracious, fatherly loving care of our God. Isn’t that what Augustine discovered, when he confessed, “O Lord, our hearts are restless, until they find their rest in You.”
What do these themes have in common? How might you connect gratitude with putting your head in the yoke beside Jesus? Do ever play the NYT Connections game? It’s funny how sometimes the seemingly less obvious occasionally pop out at you first. In this case, the connection between gratitude and the yoke of Jesus feels like a softball, level-green question. What these two have in common is they are two primary pieces to the happiness puzzle!
In my life, the tighter I’m tied to Jesus, the more yielded I am to His gentle leading, the happier I am. Likewise, the more I am specific in giving thanks for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me, the happier I am.
This Christmas, and as we look at a brand new year, how do you plan to maximize happiness in your life? In addition to gratitude and yieldedness to God’s gentle direction, or as Bill Kynes puts it “the presence that gives the rest of security and significance,” what do you think are primary ingredients for a full and happy life?
It is ever worthy of consideration since Jesus said: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b.
Digging Deeper:
What would you say are the keys to an abundant life? Are you currently living an abundant life? If not, what might you do differently in 2024?
In what ways do you resist being yoked to Christ?
In what ways are you lacking in gratitude?
A very thoughtful meditation 😇