GratefulSample

Some assembly acquired. On Christmas morning, these words are basically our enemies. When we're excited about a gift, there's nothing worse than having to set it up before we can use it. Whether it's an update for the latest game console, or assembling a new bike, it's hard to be thankful when we have so much to do after the gift arrives.

When Mary found out she was going to be pregnant with Jesus, she could have responded in hundreds of ways. This news was incredible, terrifying, wonderful, and shocking all at once. This wasn't how she expected her life to go, but she knew all of the work that would come after would be worth it. So, instead of complaining about what was happening, she chose to praise God and sing an incredible song of gratitude and thanks.

Mary's words weren't focused on the ups and downs of her life, but on who God was to her. She remembered all of the things God had done in the past to rescue and protect her people. Even though this new thing was different than what she expected, she trusted God and was thankful for her child, Jesus.

We can choose to reflect and remember that God has done so much in all of our lives. Like Mary, there are still so many unanswered questions and a ton of work ahead of us, but we can choose to focus on gratitude and be thankful for all God has done.