{Gratefulness Week} Freely given grace.

Written By: Angela Ridsdale

I believe that gratefulness stems from knowledge. The knowledge that you have things, much more than materials like clothes or cars. But of the things that are not easily bought. The talent you find within yourself, the forgiveness you can share with others, even the grace that has been freely given to you.

These are not things we think about daily. But are things we should be so grateful for. When you truly know what you have and have been given you can start to conceptualize what being grateful is really about. Personally, I get so caught up in this world and what I don’t have that I completely miss this concept. That the God of this universe has given me something so powerful as grace!

“Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God.”   Hebrews 12:28

Over the past few months I have really learned to show the love that I have been given and God has been teaching me this in extraordinary ways. Working with people who may not be able to do the same basic abilities that I can do has shown me not to take my life for granted. But, to thank God for everything I do easily like walking, eating, dressing and even speaking. When you know what you have. You know what you can give to others, especially to those who may not have what you do. Above all else I am grateful that I can show love on a daily basis to those who may need it the most.

I encourage you all to take a look at life and know that you have a lot to give even when it seems small. Love has been given to you and you have the ability to show that same love to others.

“My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God.” 1 John 4:7

About Angela Risdale:

Angela is 20 years old and love cats. She just recently got engaged to a wonderful man named Anthony whom She looks forward to sharing the rest of her life with. She began her journey with Christ as a teenager and has brought Her love of God, everywhere she goes. She has deep values in genuineness and truth. She is currently working on her degree in Social Service Work specializing in Gerontology with hopes to work with older adults in disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout the community. Some of her passions include: Singing, reading and being with her lovely Youth and Young Adults groups!

“The Lord is gracious and righteous; Our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” ~Psalm 116:5-9