Chaplain's Chat

Recently my wife took our girls for a bike ride to our local park. One of my daughters was riding along the path and up ahead was a post. My daughter hit that post and fell to the ground. My response at that age to hitting a post with my bike probably would have been something like I am no good at riding, or I can't do it, or even I'm no good at anything. My wife was close enough to hear what my daughter's response was. Out loud she said thankyou post you saved my life. Ok I just need to clarify for a second this bike did have breaks on it and the road next to the path she was riding on wasn't a busy road. So when I heard the story I laughed with my wife about it. In reflection, I would have to say it's not just a funny story but also an inspirational one. I'm inspired by my daughter's attitude. She could have had a negative response to her situation and the mistake that she made but instead she kept positive and had an attitude of gratitude. One of the things that I love that I get to do with the staff here at ACC is Thankful Thursdays. Every Thursday morning the staff go around in a circle saying one thing that they are grateful for. An attitude of gratitude is an incredibly healthy thing to cultivate in your life. May I encourage you to practise being thankful regularly. I have heard of families doing it over the dinner table and getting everyone to share something they are thankful for when eating dinner together. Alternatively, a gratitude journal is a tool used in psychology and counselling. Research suggests that there are many benefits to cultivating an attitude of gratitude. God, may you help me to be more grateful and appreciate all that you have done for me. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Warm Regards,

Luke Wiseman