A shocking extravagance

One day, when Jesus was having a meal, something shocking happened. A woman showed up crying and broke open an extremely expensive perfume jar, pouring it over Jesus’s feet. She hoped Jesus wouldn’t turn her away and would be pleased that she wanted to show her gratitude in this way. Jesus explained her lavish gift perfectly: "Her many sins or wrongs have been forgiven, as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little" (Luke 7:47).

Gratitude is life-changing. Modern research on happiness shows that gratitude is the best sign of how well people do in life. A grateful person sleeps better, feels happier, gets sick less often, has a healthier heart, and enjoys better relationships. This is not a new idea. Written three thousand years ago: "I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising him" (The Bible, Psalm 34).

Being thankful can change how we feel, even when we are down. Finding just one thing to be grateful for can start to lift the sadness. But real gratitude goes deeper than being thankful for things we own. Think about how God takes care of us and is good and fair. Be thankful for Jesus and for how his giving up his life allows us to have a close relationship with God.

An attitude of gratitude gives life hope. The more thankful we are, the more our hope grows, and we enjoy and appreciate life more. Try this simple idea: find three things you are thankful for each day, and see how this easy habit can help you grow and feel more joy. I suggested this to someone, and over the next few months, I saw a big change in how they thought, spoke, and acted. A thankful heart can change how we see and find hope in life. See how it works for you.