Gifting Yourself with Gratitude by Jennifer Tabassum

**Gifting Yourself with Gratitude**

Jennifer Tabassum

Day 1 of 3: Plant Seeds of Gratitude

The generous soul will be made rich and he who waters will be watered himself also.
-Proverbs 11:25 (MEV)

As a teacher, I find that few things bring more joy to third graders than planting seeds. In a science unit on plants, the children label their styrofoam cups, place seeds into the soil, and carefully water them. Not too much, not too little. Their excitement reaches its peak about a week later when the first hints of green poke through the soil.

I like to think God sometimes gives us a glimpse into what it feels like to wield life-giving power. For my third graders, the power involves providing the necessary environment for plant life to grow and thrive. For new parents, it may be the first moment they look into the tiny face of their miracle. We can be grateful that even in our everyday lives, God gives us opportunities to share in his almighty power.

Whenever we take the time out of our busy days to have a meaningful interaction with someone, or to offer a compliment, we are wielding his power. We are giving someone life. Each kind word spoken or act of service performed strengthens our roots in God’s purpose for our lives and waters our personal gardens of gratitude. As the scripture states, “He who waters will be watered himself also” (Proverbs 11:25 MEV). It feels good to make others smile and to lighten their load. When we bless others, we reap the benefit of their joy.

So, like those third graders, feel your power. Lean into your joy. Be a blessing to someone else and watch your own garden of gratitude grow healthy and full.

Thank you, God, for equating power with goodness. Help me to use my power to make life better for those around me. Help me not to focus on my own problems. Instead, bring to my attention ways that I can brighten someone else’s day. I ask that you grant me the power to tend to my garden dutifully, to water it daily with blessings and kindness to others. If ever my garden should suffer, please grant me wisdom, kindness, and power to restore it and make it anew. Amen.

Day 1 of 3: Plant Seeds of Gratitude

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