In this verse “and be thankful” seems randomly tacked on at the end. So easily overlooked. But the truth is, it is a million times easier to have peace if I start out by being thankful.
I had an argument with my neighbor recently. It was minor, but even minor confrontations with neighbors can seriously affect my peace. I have to live here after all. My neighbors cannot easily be avoided.
When I went to confront my neighbor, I was not full of gratitude. I was full of annoyance, indignation, pride, lots of icky things. I didn’t spare a thought for how thankful I am that she is usually a friendly, considerate, and helpful person. She has shared information about contractors she worked with and liked, she has invited me over for coffee, and she and her husband are generally quiet and unobtrusive, everything that makes a good neighbor. If I had spent a few moments being grateful for the things I appreciate about my neighbor, I probably would not have ended up with our conversation going the way it did, and I would now have peace.
As it is, to regain peace, I need to devote some time and energy to relationship repair work.
Dear God,
Thank you for the reminder of how much peace is tied to gratitude. Thank you for my good neighbors. I am so fortunate to have a community of thoughtful, friendly, and reasonable people living nearby. Forgive me for taking them for granted and not being thankful. Please guide me in mending our figurative fences. Help me put aside my pride and trust you with the outcome if I reach out with kindness, generosity, and love.
CamDevo 