“So God created the large sea creatures and every living creature that moves and swarms in the water, according to their kinds. He also created every winged creature according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:21 CSB
As a person who loves the ocean, this verse touches my heart. It says it right here, it is good. God says so. I know it’s true because there is nothing more healing than the breaking of the waves against the seashore. There are times, when I’m at the beach, I am humbled that I get to sit there by this massive body of water. The sand between my toes, the sun on my face. Life doesn’t get much better than that in my book. But I’m aware, not everyone gets to enjoy it. I’m aware of my sick friend, who as of this writing has now been in the hospital for 47 days. I’m aware there are others who can’t afford a vacation, or even a day off. I know there are people who would love to be at the beach, but for whatever reason can’t be. It makes me more grateful I can be.
I also know there are people who prefer the mountains to the beach. I can’t understand it, but I know its a true statement. God said those were good too (Genesis 1:10 NIV). Whether you’re a beach person or a mountain person, whether rich or poor, sick or healthy, there is always something to be grateful for in your life. I saw this post from my friend Mary the other day on Facebook. It was a picture of a precious little boy from a Third World Country. He had his hands up in a prayer position right in the middle of his face. You could see on either side of those tiny hands, sparkling eyes. His cheeks puffed out in a smile, sheer delight on his face. This starving orphan from another country looked happier than people I see walking down the street every day. People who drive nice cars, wear nice clothes, eat at nice places look more miserable than this starving child. Why is that? The answer to the question was in the anonymous caption:
“It is not happy people who are grateful. It is grateful people who are happy.”
Isn’t that truth? The key to happiness isn’t places, people or things. The key to happiness is gratefulness. This starving child knows this truth because he’s grateful for everything he has. He’s grateful for another day, because depending on where this picture was taken, his life could be in danger. He’s grateful for the food he has to eat, the water he has to drink. He’s grateful because it isn’t a commodity to him. We have so much of it we forget to be grateful for it. But go one day in 100 degree weather without water, you’ll be thankful when you get some.
And when you’re grateful you are happy. When you are happy, no matter what you’re doing, you are much more likely to “seas” the day. If you truly want to “seas” the day, “seas” life, it starts with gratitude. Start the day with gratitude. Thank God for the coffee you’re drinking. Then go take on the world. See if doesn’t make a difference.
