I began my gratitude list on Thanksgiving morning. There are things I am definitely grateful for and it was not at all difficult to list three, even four. As soon as I finished, like in a split second, things that I do not like popped into my head mind.

The Word says take captive every thought to Christ Jesus. Paul was not kidding when he wrote that and his life had more challenges than most today.

“Useless thought spoil everything, and much mischief begins there.” Brother Lawrence had wisdom, too.

How is your gratitude list going? Do you find ungrateful, or unwelcome thoughts intruding? Pondering things we cannot change, things we have no control over creates mischief in the realm of thankfulness. Can you praise the recognition of those intrusive thoughts and return to thanks and praise to the Living God?

Easy to write. Difficult to accomplish. That is why it is called disciple and we must practice.