Javier and Gema Garcia
by Javier Garcia
As each year draws to a close, I like to review the past year. This helps me stay focused on my priorities, and it helps me prepare for the coming year.
When I look back each Christmas, the word that comes to mind is “gratitude.” Gratitude must be our lifestyle, for God’s Word urges us to be always grateful. As Paul says in 1Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The Psalms have a lot to say about gratitude as well:
• “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” Psalm 103: 2.
• “I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord” Psalm 116:17.
• “Enter his gates with thanksgiving” Psalm 100:4.
This emphasis might be due to the human heart’s tendency toward forgetfulness. A Hebrew saying reads, “Those who give should forget about it, but those who receive should never forget about it.”
Through these lines, I am inviting you to participate in gratefulness, and to experience the joy of acknowledging God’s intervention in your life, your family and your ministry. I encourage you to verbalize your gratitude to the Lord and to those that surround you – family, friends and ministry partners.
As I look back, I can’t stop giving thanks! First of all, I give thanks to the Lord. Psalms 32 and 103 really express the feeling of my heart. Thank you Lord!
Second, I can’t stop giving thanks to God for my family. This year has been full of challenges and commitments, and I would not have been able to face them without the support, love and patience of my wife and children. Thank you!
Third, I can’t stop giving thanks to the Lord for each one of you – leaders and ministry partners – for your commitment, sacrifice and dedication to the cause of the gospel. I am sure the Lord will finish the work He began in you.
As I list all the reasons for gratitude, I grow more and more encouraged. Why don’t you join me in this, and finish the year by writing your own list of reasons for gratitude? Consider this as an offering of praise to the Lord!
As Francisco de Quevedo wrote, “Gratitude is the main part of a good man.”
May the Lord bless you and – through gratefulness – prepare you to receive all He has planned for you during the year 2009.
In the love of Christ,
Javier