www.bible.com/reading-plans/23192/day/17

In the quest for independence and a feeling that we are able to do everything we need to do without the Creator, many have turned away from God. I personally think that it’s hard to turn away if you are consistently acknowledging all that He has done and is still doing in your life. Thankfulness is a way to keep the door open to all of the possibilities that God has for you. I think it definitely changes your perception of God, from one of a destroyer out to hurt us to the One who loves us best. I have seen both within my family and it hurts to see those I love call on God when their need is desperate but the rest of the time treat Him as though He is of no consequence and perhaps even a bother in their lives.

I want to always be mindful of God’s acting on my behalf. For example, I got up this morning for the first time in almost a week and did not immediately start coughing. Am I completely well yet? No, but I am better, and for that I am thankful. I hated the idea of going to the ER today, getting an X-ray and perhaps being admitted to the hospital, but that is what the doctor said I would need to do today if I were not significantly better. I do not remember praying specifically that I wouldn’t have to go to the hospital, but I am sure God knew that was my desire. I will generally follow through with what the doctors advise but I am reluctant to stay overnight in hospitals. Anyway, I am so much better and so thankful that I am. I slept last night for my regular six hours, but I didn’t wake up repeatedly coughing. I am thankful for that, too! I pray that I have finally turned a corner and that I am indeed improving so that I don’t need to consult the ER. We shall see. But whatever happens, I am thankful that right now I am breathing better and I am very aware that God gives me each breath I take.

If thankfulness can affect our perception of God as the devotional states, shouldn’t we spend more time being thankful and less time making demands of our Father, like the spoiled and entitled children that we sometimes are?