Along The Trail

attitude of gratitude // wisdom from a ten year old

<<< thoughts from one a decade old! >>> 

Attitude of Gratitude

The world is so unpredictable. It makes things that people think are awesome. And then, they get too addicted to it. And they think about nothing else but that thing. Then they don’t do their studying and get a bad grade. Those people, of course, would be kids. So these things are affecting their lives. I mean listen to this: I used to live in Charlotte but then moved to Robbinsville. At the elementary school, kids in kindergarten had phones.  Kinsley, who is in 8^th grade, doesn’t even have a phone.

Anyways, I have an iTouch and it’s nice, but I’m not addicted to it because it can't do anything for me other than taking pics, listening to music, and letting me play games. It definitely can’t give me living water.

Now we’re getting to the point. When we are hung up on these things, we forget about the Creator that’s sitting, waiting with His arms wide open.

He’s so patient!! I mean, it blows my mind that He can wait so long while we are turning to what the world gives and away from Him. And He might get mad in the good way, but He’s still patient… I mean, He’s the Creator… the world was His decision… we were His decision! We owe him everything. And even as we owe Him everything, He simply asks to have a relationship with us! Because of this, I strive to have the attitude of gratitude.

written by Selah

<<< *** >>>

***thank you Selah for being brave enough to share your heart here!

<<< Let's be more aware Whose we are today! >>>

attitude of gratitude < an anonymous story >

<<< a Trail Reader's creative story >>>

Attitude of Gratitude

“Everyone pass your homework to the front,” Mrs. Donald yelled over the sound of students gathering their things as the bell finally rang. "Henry, please come see me before you leave.”

Henry was a short, black-haired kid with glasses who never spoke in class. “Henry I noticed that you didn’t pass up your homework.” Henry looked nervously at her, “Well . . . um . . . uh . . . I didn’t do it.” Mrs. Donald looked at him with compassion and said in a low voice, “Henry, I know that you are having at lot of trouble at home since your grandmother passed away. I’m very sorry. You still need to do your homework. I need you to do a one page paper called Attitude of Gratitude.” Without blinking Henry said, “Yes ma’am.”

As Henry left the room he thought to himself ‘Grandmother practically raised me. She says that’s no reason to mourn...you should do your homework...on top of that she tells me to write about an Attitude of Gratitude...a time in which I have NO gratitude? What kind of teacher is she?’

The next day Henry walked his essay into Mrs. Donald's classroom, laid it on her desk, and turned to make a run for it when her voice stopped him. “Henry, I know this must have been difficult for you, but I wanted you to realize even though things go wrong in your life there's still alot to be thankful for. I can see that you found something to be happy about since you wrote this essay. I hope the rest of your day is filled with an attitude of gratitude.”

As Henry left her room he realized Mrs. Donald wasn’t trying to be mean, but she was actually pretty nice. In the doorway Henry turned and said “Thank you Mrs. Donald!” She smiled and Henry made his way to his next class with a smile. He hadn’t done that in a while! 

written by Anonymous Trail Reader

***Thank you for sharing your story to encourage all of us Trail Readers! 

<<< go be thankful today! >>>

attitude of gratitude < wrapped in stripes >

<<< wrapped in stripes >>>

I was inspired by all the fb gratitude toward our veterans yesterday! One line I saw on my friend's wall has stuck with me..."Today we speak up, but everyday we are thankful."

Sometimes it seems we get caught up in our own little worlds and neglect to be mindful of the sacrifice of those past, present and future working, giving it all, letting go of much in order to grab hold of freedom for Americans. But truly, in our living and enjoying we are doing what those fighting would want us to do. We are receiving the gift they've given us. 

With our freedom feeling shaky these days, I've been resting in an even greater, more secure freedom, claimed by even greater sacrifice. To be wrapped in the stripes of Christ is to be wrapped in true freedom!

With no school in session today, books and board games on the agenda, my heart swells with gratitude not only for the veterans we remember, but for the life Christ bought for me! 

<<< remember the stripes granting your freedom >>>

attitude of gratitude < exercising freedom >

<<< exercising freedom >>>

I hear the Mary Poppins song marching through my head each time I think about voting! Shrugging politics off is easy for me.

I'm just not massively interested in hearing all the debating and opinions and all. Knowing what's at stake, remembering all those before me who've made it possible to be free to have an opinion...this is something worth keeping my apathy in check for!

So, if exercise is a goal of yours today...

<<< exercise your right to vote! >>>

And feel like the proud American you are!