A few months ago, I was in the airport headed to New Jersey. It was a typical rush, rush, rush morning. Grab the bags, trudge through traffic, hunt for a parking space, follow the herd, wade through security, dash to the gate.
Folks aren’t usually very friendly in airports. Eyes look straight ahead. Purposed feet slap the floor. Overstuffed bags roll behind. It’s not that people are grumpy. They’re just “flatish.” (That’s a new word for today.)
On this particular morning, I looked just like everyone else: “flatish.” Before settling in at my gate, I decided to make one last trip to the restroom. I’m so glad I did. It was one of the most joy-filled places I had been in a long time.
Gretchen, the “hostess” for this privy, donned a silly little hat on her head with whimsical feathers waving about the top. If it wasn’t for the official attendant’s vest she was wearing, I might have thought she was on her way to Mardi Gras. With a spray bottle in one hand and a cloth in the other, Gretchen welcomed each “guest” into her “home.”
A woman in a green jacket exited a stall and Gretchen swooped in behind her.
Squirt, squirt, squirt with the disinfectant. Wipe, wipe, wipe with her cloth. “Right this way, madam,” she motioned to the next person in line, “This one is ready for you! Come right in!”
With all the poise of a valet opening the castle doors for a person of honor, Gretchen welcomed each woman as if she were the most important person in her day. I stood back and watched as this 5-foot-5-inch bundle of joy wiped off toilet seats and cheerfully invited her next guest into the pristine stalls.
Gretchen had an effervescent sense of joy…wiping toilet seats. It seemed to come from a deep-seated heart of contagious gratitude. And it spilled over to every single woman who left her station. Women entered weary and worn and left with a skip in their step and a smile on their face. Some even lingered…as if they wanted to soak in just a little bit more before facing the world.
Yes, gratitude is contagious, and so is grumpy grumbling. Someone complains, and the next thing you know you’ve joined in and are complaining right along with them.
How do you think that grumbling started with the children of Israel in the wilderness? I think it went like this. One person picked up her manna for the day and said, “You know, I’m sick of this manna.”
Then someone else picked up his and said, “Come to think about it, I’m sick of it too.” Then a neighbor agreed, and it spread, and it spread, and it spread. Next thing you know 2 million people were grumbling and complaining. Then a sea of ingrates wandered around the desert for forty years.
Make no mistake about it. Our attitudes are contagious whether grumpy or grateful. Whether we complain or give thanks, others around us will tend to do the same.
Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV). How in the world can we rejoice always and give thanks in all things? Ah, the answer is sandwiched right in between…pray continually. That doesn’t mean we’re on our knees 24/7, but that we are in constant communion with God throughout our busy day. We enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise!
As I left the airport restroom, I noticed a tip jar resting on the counter filled with thanks. But I don’t think the “tips” were for wiping the germs away from the toilet seats, but for wiping the doldrums away from the ladies’ hearts. And for some strange reason, I just wanted to give Gretchen a hug.
I did.
She didn’t mind.
Gretchen reminded me just how contagious gratitude and joy can be. And how desperately I want to be a carrier. I hope you do too.
Heavenly Father, make me a woman of gratitude. I pray my heart will be infected with thankfulness and I will spread it to those around me. I pray the Holy Spirit will stop me from grumbling, and spur me to give thanks in all circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Here’s a picture of Gretchen I thought you might enjoy!
Click on comment and list 10 things that you are grateful for other than Jesus and your family. I know you are thankful for those two. Let’s stretch. It doesn’t have to be big.
Digging Deeper
Have you ever wondered how to experience God’s presence right in the middle of your mundane day…everyday? Listen friend, God wants to walk and talk with you even more than you want to walk and talk to Him! A Sudden Glory: God’s Lavish Response for Something More shows you how. Open your eyes to see God, your ears to hear God, your soul to sense His love. Let’s experience God together! (Also includes a Bible Study Guide in the back.)
© 2024 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.
Comments 60
Sun
Home
Bed
Heat & A/C
Car
Food
Flowers
Animals
USA
Freedom
Church
1. A secure rented apartment, I was once homeless.
2. My bed ( ditto: above
3. Friends
4. Spiritual content on my mobile
5. Sharon Jaynes!
6.Healthy food
7. Beautiful ornaments, given by Friends and family
8. My mobile phone.
9. Sunrises
10. My CD player and DVD…given by a friend!
10 things…
1. Waking up
2. My job
3. Provision for daily needs
4. Friends that love me just as I am
5. Freedom to worship openly
6. Laughter, it does you so much good
7. My body, though it may not look like I want, it does what it’s supposed to
8. Forgiveness of a kind and loving Savior
9. Seasons, all beautiful, all serving different purposes
10. My abilities and interests-cooking, gardening,
I am grateful to see another beautiful day.
I am grateful to have health and strength.
I am grateful for my friends.
I am grateful to be able to encourage others when they need it.
I am grateful for having a job.
I am grateful for every trial and tribulation.
I am grateful that Jesus saved me.
I am grateful for the spiritual gifts that God has given me.
I am grateful for God’s grace and mercy.
I am grateful for everything that God does for me.
1. Salvation
2. Job/career
3. Car
4. House (sturdy and safe)
5. Quiet times with the Lord
6. The Holy Spirit
7. Friends
8. A growing a loving church family
9. To be able to serve in the youth ministry
10. God’s favour
1. For my car
2.roof over my head
3.my job
4my church
5. Hot showers
6. Decent health
7.being a cancer survivor
8.supportive friends
9.when my feet touch the floor each morning
10. Having the freedoms of life
Thank you Jesus🙏🙏🤲💕
1. Praying friends.
2. Christain writers.
3. Employment.
4. Dirty dishes (I have food to eat).
5. Neighbors.
6. I live in the USA.
7. My home.
8. Laughter.
9. Mobility
10. That I can talk to my Savior anytime, he is always there for me.
1. I’m thankful for my husband (Michael).
2. I’m the thankful for my children (Mercedes, Marques, Lakeisha, Darrin).
3. I’m thankful for my grandchildren (Jaiden, Jordan, Xariah, Jakhai, Mason, & Earicka).
4. I’m thankful for awesome church family (Rose Hill & Kingdom Life) and Pastors (Danny & James).
5. I’m thankful to be a child of GOD/JESUS.
6. I’m thankful for my mom(Lula) & mother-in-law (Brenda).
7. I’m thankful for Shelter, transportation, food & clothes).
8. I’m thankful for my health and strength.
9. I’m thankful to be clothed in my right mind.
10. I’m thankful for the word of God, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, discernment, and my extended family.
I’m grateful for a home to stay in.
I’m grateful for a clean bed to sleep in.
I’m grateful for my husband.
I’m grateful for my dogs.
I’m grateful for my friends.
I’m grateful for my hobbies
I’m grateful for Chemo Therapy.
I’m grateful to be loved by others.
Love this and all the Gretchen’s in the world! 🥰 I’m grateful for….
1. Sunrises, 2. Campfires, 3. Coffee, 4. Quiet mornings, 5) Smiles, 6) Snowshoeing, 7) Walks with my BFF, 8) Milkyway candy bars, 9) Hugs from the grandkids, & 10) Devotions like this one waiting for me in my inbox each morning! 🥰🙌🏼🙏🏼
I am grateful for Sharon Jaynes and her amazing gift in writing, bringing alive truths that jump off the pages.
I am grateful for my job.
I am grateful for my new car God miraculously provided.
I am grateful for my home church.
I am grateful for health.
I am grateful for wonderful friends.
I am grateful for nature.
I am grateful for our dog.
I am grateful for provision in every area.
I am grateful for hope.
Thank you Jesus.
I’m thankful for this email reminder to be thankful today
For rain
For being able to vote
Religious freedom
A job I enjoy and am good at that helps people
Phones
An unexpected opportunity for a lunch with a friend today
Electricity
Indoor plumbing!!
My Bible study
Small group friends at church
A Bible (actually a plethora of bibles) at my access
A warm bed in a safe home
1) The freedom to worship God freely.
2)God’s provision each and every day.
3)A fresh new sunrise every morning.
4)A church that honors God and focuses on the gospel.
5)The beauty of God’s landscape.
6)The opportunity to show God’s love and grace to others.
7)Worship music.
8)A warm fuzzy blanket.
9)Food in my kitchen
10)A home to live in.
The Prek students I will serve today.
A warm, dry home.
Fresh fruit
Hot soup on crisp autumn nights
My opportunity to substitute in our local elementary school.
Paved roads
Freedom to worship
Freedom to vote
Changing seasons
Steaming hot coffee in the morning and tea in the evening
I am grateful for:
– a new professional journey
– a time of rest and re-set, mentally & physically
– my marriage and our growth
– the freedom & peace my sister now has from her abusive spouse
– peace of mind
– good sister-friends
-new iced-coffee drinks
– freedom
– sunsets, especially on the beach
– quiet time in the word
Good morning:
I am grateful for-
1.) life, health, and strength
2.) faithful friendships
3.) God’s beautiful creation of nature
4.) a home of my own
5.) God-given gifts and talents
6.) freedom I have in America
7.) my career/ employment
8.) the food nourishes me physically
9.) the Word of God that nourishes me spiritually
10.) opportunities to bless others in ministry
Amen! 😃🙏🏾✝️
Healing from knee surgery
Good doctors
Friends that support
Waking up each day
My church
A roof over my head
Food each day
Peace of mind
An answered prayer for a situation that I have been dealing with for over 10 years
Mentally sound
I am thankful for:
A safe place to live
Sufficient food to eat
Clothes on my back
Friends
Sunrises in the morning
Beautiful sunsets
A starry night sky
A community of the faithful
The expectation of Jesus’ return for us
A glorious future!
This made my day 💕💕I’m going to change my attitude, and they will see who is really in control!
1. Beauty of Fall
2. Democracy
3. Power of Prayer
4. Kind individuals
5. Empathy towards others
6. Sharing a smile with another
7. Joy
8. Peace of God
9. Church Universal
10. Medical Personnel
1. Beauty of Fall
2. Democracy
3. Power of Prayer
4. Kind individuals
5. Empathy towards others
6. Sharing a smile with another
7. Joy
8. Peace of God
9. Church Universal
10. Medical Personnel
Cancer free
Financial security
4 wonderful BFFs
Education
Electricity
Freedom
Water
Grocery stores
All the churches
The country I live in
What a beautiful read to wake up to this morning! And what a beautiful example and reminder Gretchen is to us all! Thank you Sharon for reminding us all that our attitudes are everything!
1. Good general health
2. Healing ability of body
3. Healing heart (emotionally)
4. Dancing
5. Swimming
6. Butterflies
7. Sunrises and sunsets
8. Community both church and other
9. Flowers
10. Chocolate
I am grateful for the many blessings in my life. The gift of sobriety (10 months), the new friends I have made and the clarity being sober has brought me.
1. I am grateful for my dog who brings me joy every day.
2. I am grateful for shelter, food, and clothing.
3. I am grateful for the thrift store I volunteer at the women who work there,
4. I am grateful for Sharon Jaynes and the lessons she teaches me.
5. I am grateful for Proverbs 31 and the teachings they offer.
6. I am grateful for Jesus Christ who redeemed me from a life apart from Him.
7. I am grateful for my Holy Father who reminds me daily of His hesed-lovingkindness.
8. I am grateful for my church and the truth of the Word.
9. I am grateful for friends who lift me up when I am down and love me through my grief.
10. I am grateful for the air I breath and the ground I walk on.
1. I am grateful for my dog who brings me joy every day.
2. I am grateful for shelter, food, and clothing.
3. I am grateful for the thrift store I volunteer at and the women who work there,
4. I am grateful for Sharon Jaynes and the lessons she teaches me.
5. I am grateful for Proverbs 31 and the teachings they offer.
6. I am grateful for Jesus Christ who redeemed me from a life without Him.
7. I am grateful for my Holy Father who reminds me daily of His hesed-lovingkindness.
8. I am grateful for my church and the truth of the Word.
9. I am grateful for friends who lift me up when I am down and love me through my grief.
10. I am grateful for the air I breath and the ground I walk on.
I’m thankful for a new day!Im wondering where I can show contagious joy today!! Maybe when I workout! Thanks for reminding us how Thanksgiving is contagious !Is so easy to be grumpy.
10 Things I’m Grateful for
1. Life
2 Family
3 Health
4 Friendships
5. My church family
6. Grandchildren
7. Faith
8. Love of nature
9. Mobility to get around
10 Experiencing my 75th birthday
I’m thankful that God saved me, I have a genuine heart to want to love like Him. I have a home where I can praise a worship anytime I want to. Early mornings while still dark are the best. I found a church community I love to go to. No matter how good or bad the day is, I know God is with me. I’m thankful for so much more, but let’s start here.
1. A roof over my head
2. A faithful loving husband
3. My gift of seeing the smallest things in and loving God’s Creation
4. The ability to buy food and necessities-God’s provision
5. A gift of painting
6. That God pulled me from the jaws of death and after two surgeries I am healing
7. Seeing many prayers answered in my 76 years
8. Leading my parents to Christ
9. For the joy my two dogs and cat bring
10. For my four year old grandbabies who are growing up knowing about Jesus
I like your messaged. I to was in the airport waiting for my plane. You see they rushed me in a wheel chair to the next gate which was way across the airport in North Carolina. I had to wait by myself, so I reflect on God to bring me to the next route safely. By the time I got home the airplane slide a little bit because it was snowing out.
Iam thankful for being in the beautiful village of Placencia Belize 2 free to read my Bible 3 with my husband 4 and for the first week, with friends who love Jesus 4 and for this week with friends who I can hopefully share my gratitude and love for HIM 5 for Gelato 6 for coffee in the morning 7 for the sound of the ocean 8 for swings in the warm sea 9 for the joyful Belizean people 10 to be out of the country and having already voted on Election Day 😇🙏🙏
I am grateful for my breakfast, the breeze, my clean clothes, my shoes, my home, my car, my health, My healthy children and grandchildren and this day. 🙏
Other than Jesus and my family…10 things I am thankful for (in no particular order) 1-my home, 2-retirement from teaching (to me…a gift of time and choice), 3-my small yard/garden, 4-time and ability to work in my garden (therapy for my soul), 5-the women’s bible study at my church (We are studying Joshua and the teaching is AMAZING!), 6-my bible study small group leader and group, 7-God’s grace, 8-God’s faithful provision, 9-my part-time job, 10-long walks/enjoying nature
I’m grateful for:
My home
My church family
My Christian friends
God’s provision and blessings
That I was born in a free nation
Smiling and positive people
Encouragers
My quiet time and coffee in the morning
Good neighbors
Christian businesses
1. A new home/house that I have prayed for & longed for & sought God for since 2016. God brought those prayers & hopes & dreams to fruition last week-October 29, 2024.
2. The beauty of God’s creation-the nature in our new area that I’ve longed to live near…the gorgeous Carolina coastline & beautiful birds that are native to the area!
3. Children who are seeking God in their lives & desiring to know Him.
4. Finally living within driving distance of my parents as they age & need extra help & care.
5. New friendships
6. Rekindled, “old” friendships
7. God’s daily provision as we live by faith in ministry & raise funds for a new ministry/non-profit.
8. Our furry little friend-our dog-Barty who brings us laughter & joy each day in the midst of stressful situations.
9. Good health!!! We take it for granted & I don’t ever want to!! It’s such a blessing!!!
10. Laughter-it’s been a very tough year…& honestly since Covid….very stressful & somber years in our family-but God has brought laughter & joy in the midst of the storms.
Awesome Gretchen. Thanks for sharing. I really like to go above and beyond to help someone. That came from the Lord I know. So glad . Thanks again.
Praise God!!! I was truly touched and blessed from reading this story.
Right when you need a word from the Lord, there it was for me.
A dear friend, sister in Christ shared this inspiring story with me. Hallelujah!
I want so much to be greatful , I tell the Lord this and try to have a thankful heart but I end up grumbling cause I’m over worked and needing a break with no where to go. I try to plan and some reason weather or timing doesn’t let it happen. May God forgive me and may my attitude be changed for his glory.
Gratefulness clears your spiritual vision by bringing to mind all God has given you. I can really remember how he allowed me to attain what I have. Grateful for a new church, clarity, friends, family especially grandchildren, job, answered prayers, good health, vision, purpose and all the many blessings of God. Amen
10 things I am grateful for:
1. That I am upright & can move freely
2. Our home
3. Food
4. The people I work with
5. My precious sisters in Christ neighbors
6. My church family, pastors
7. My daily walk
8. Old friends & new friends
9. Caregivers for my husband that help him as well as me
10.Ability to drive.
*Husband surrendered his driver’s license because of disease. Independence lost.
10 things I am grateful for:
1. That I am upright & can move freely
2. Our home
3. Food
4. The people I work with
5. My precious sisters in Christ neighbors
6. My church family, pastors
7. My daily walk
8. Old friends & new friends
9. Caregivers for my husband that help him as well as me
10.Driver’s license
I am grateful for:
The blessing of life
Nature
God’s beautiful world
Freedom of worshipping my God
Safe travels
Being able to clean my house
Being able to walk around the block
My pastor
My sisters in Christ
My sweet dogs, my safe home, my fun job, my amazing heart crew (small group), my running(& paid off) car, the hope I have for my future, the peace I have in my present, the wisdom I have from my past, the joy I have in Jesus, and my freedom to pursue our relationship!
1. My church: 2. My fabulous friends: 3. My job: 4. My country, no matter how divided it is right now, it’s still the greatest country on Earth. : 5. The right to worship: 6. The ability to take care of myself. : 7. Coffee & chocolate: 8. My cats: 9. My home: 10. My health.
I am grateful for my cosy home, for the park behind it where I can walk and talk with God, for my little pet cat, Bongo, who I adore and who adores me in return, for my neighbours above and around me who are largely peaceful and kind and who accept my prayers, even though they are not Christians, yet. For my dear, dear friend Stephanie who lives opposite me and keeps an eye on me and encourages me when I am struggling with my mental health and who allows me to support her in return. For my allotment which is my oasis and kept me going during Covid lockdown. For my wonderful church where everyone is welcomed whatever their background, disability, age, etc and the wonderful worship and preaching team there, for the sense of community and the feeling of coming home when you walk through the doors. For my garden which overlooks the park and consequently contains a lot of wildlife including, but not exclusively, bats hunting at dusk, red kites soaring high overhead, deer roaring as it is rutting season, and a frog who has made his home in my potato sack. For the riding stables just opposite, even though I can never afford to ride there, it’s still nice to hear and see them clip clopping past my window. For a big supermarket down the road where I can buy Fairtrade goods and loose broccoli and onions not wrapped in plastic and a wealth of delicious and specialty ingredients.
This is a Great Story! Thanks for sharing Words of Wisdom, Phenomenal Observations, & an Adorable Gretchen!
I’m thankful for nature, nice walking paths and hiking trails nearby, a community gym to use, health insurance, a flexible job that pays my bills, the Bible, my friends, support groups, watermelon, and music.
Friends
Living in a free world
My church
The right to vote
My pretty yard
My good health
Cardinals that remind me of past family and friends
I have all the comforts of life
Don’t have to worry about money
My wonderful little neighborhood community
I am thankful for:
1. My daughter’s outcome in court on
Nov 4, 2024
2. That my husband and I are still alive after a head on collision in Sept 2024
3. For my job and the opportunity I have to witness to people even when I don’t realize that is what I am doing
4. That my grandson adjusted so well to going to public school after being homeschooled for 3 years
5. The opportunity to help with being a caregiver for my mother-in-law who has dementia.
6. The ability to help with Christmas for children in my county
7. To be able to help in my church where my husband is my pastor
8. Living in the great country of the USA (despite the outcome of the election today I know God is still Great)
9. Prayer Warrior Friends that will come to my rescue in prayer when I have faced some of my greatest battles (especially in 2024)
10. The opportunity to be able to read your devotions…they put a smile on my face
1. My healed mind and heart from infidelity
2. The community of friends God has surrounded me with
3. My Bible study girls
4. Grateful for four seasons
5. For the beautiful display of colors in all the falling leaves
6. God is sovereign over what ever happens in the election
7. A new day of mercy and grace
8. Blessings to steward to those around me
9. Being gently pruned of things that did not honor God
10. My loving husband, who despite not being a Jesus follower, humbles himself and repents like one
I am grateful for you and your words. For living in a country that we have the right to vote. For another day on this earth. For my body and mind still working ( okay😂). For the Bible and the eucharist, so we can get to Jesus better and feel closer to him with his nourishment. For animals. For seasons. Our jobs 🙏🏻😊
Grateful
Food
People
Job
Water
Car
Electricity
Books
Freedom
Apartment
Heat and air
The sunrise, my mentor, my church, my health, crisp morning air, the beach, the provision of food, my house, my pets, and the freedom I have in Christ.
1. People who smile
2. Leaves changing in magnificent colors
3. Furry friends that brighten my day with unconditional love
4. Pickleball!
5. A mug of hot coffee
6. The knowledge of my salvation gives me comfort
7. A free country
8. Devotionals like this one to turn my belief into action
9. That I have access to the Creator of the universe
10. Every breath I take is a gift for which I am grateful!
Thank you, Sharon!
I am grateful for: your devotion, the morning sun, the evening sunset, my health, God’s word, good food, coffee, time to relax, puzzles, the beautiful night sky,
1. That God Redeemed me
2. My church and Pastors
3. That I was Born in USA
4. Great Friends
5. For Coffee…LOL
6. For my House that is paid off
7. For Being creative like my Heavenly Father
8. For Wisdom
9. For My husbands great Family
10. That no matter what happens in this election God is still on the Throne and King of Kings
Sunshine
Beautiful Golden color trees surrounding me
a gentle warm breeze in MA in November
Abundance of Food
my health
the 2 little boys i nanny for
my car
The kindness and availability of a local organic community farm
My part timework schedule
A new Dr. who sees me
Morning coffee
My job
Friends
Health
Home
Holidays
Fun
Peace
Laughter
Gym