Gratefulness: A Lesson from the River of Life

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story with you, a story that has shaped my understanding of gratefulness. It’s a tale from my youth, centered around a baptism, and it’s a story that I hope will inspire you as much as it has inspired me.

The Baptism

Many moons ago, in the small town where I grew up, there was a tradition of baptizing children in the local river. It was a beautiful, serene place, where the sun would dance on the water’s surface, and the trees would whisper secrets to the wind.

One summer, it was my younger brother’s turn to be baptized. The whole town gathered by the river, their faces glowing with anticipation and joy. But as the pastor began the ceremony, a sudden storm swept in. The sky darkened, the wind howled, and the once calm river became a raging torrent.

The Lesson

Despite the storm, the pastor, a man of unwavering faith, decided to proceed with the baptism. He held my brother in his arms and stepped into the river. The current was strong, but his faith was stronger. He baptized my brother amidst the chaos, and when they emerged, they were both smiling.

After the ceremony, I asked the pastor how he could remain so calm in the face of danger. He looked at me, his eyes twinkling with wisdom, and said, “Kev, life is like this river. Sometimes it’s calm, sometimes it’s turbulent. But we must always be grateful for its flow, for it is the flow of life itself.”

Gratefulness

That day, I learned a valuable lesson about gratefulness. I learned that we should be grateful not only for the calm and joyful moments but also for the challenging ones. For it is through these challenges that we grow and become stronger.

So, my dear friends, let us be like the pastor in the storm. Let us embrace the flow of life with gratitude, knowing that every moment, every experience, is a gift to be cherished.

Remember, gratefulness is not just a feeling, it’s a choice. Choose to be grateful, and you’ll find that life, like the river, is a beautiful journey.

Until next time, stay grateful.

Kev