“Gratitude” and “Grace”
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NASB)
Gratitude and Grace hang in our house. Every time I look at them, I reflect on my sense of thankfulness.
“Grace” (picture of the man) was originally taken in 1918 by Eric Enstrom. The man in the photo is Charles Wilden, a peddler who sold foot-scrapers. Enstrom said, “I wanted to take a picture that would show people that even though they had to do without many things because of the war they still had much to be thankful for.”1 Minnesota designated “Grace” as the official state photograph in 2002.2
“Gratitude” (picture of the woman) was taken in the 1960s by Jack Garren. The photo of Mrs. Myrtle Copple was designed to complement “Grace.”3
What would you like for people to picture in their minds when they think of you?
Is it an action shot of you performing your job? How about your role in the church, or a community group? Maybe you would like for them to visualize you cutting your perfectly manicured lawn. You may even want people to imagine someone influential when they hear your name.
But then, maybe you don’t want them to think of you at all. What if they thought of God when your name came to mind?
I would consider it a good thing if my name created the desire in someone to reflect on their relationship with the Father. It’s kind of like looking at “Gratitude” and “Grace.” I don’t see Mrs. Copple or Mr. Wilden.
I see thankfulness. The act of recognizing that all we have comes from God. Whether we have a lot or a little, we have much to be thankful for.
May I rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.
What comes to mind when you see “Gratitude” and “Grace”?
Gratitude and Grace #hope #joy #writingcommunity Share on XToday’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.
1,3 https://pastorbrett.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/the-story-behind-grace/
2 https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/minnesota/state-arts-drama-symbol/grace
Well for one – gratitude for the kind support we receive every month from people like you and Sarah! And “grace” is that which I depend on each day – b/c each day I give the Lord… and my wife… reasons for them to extend it!
Thank you Denny. You are too kind. I can second the need to depend on grace every single day!
Oh, I hope people see a Jesus attribute instead of my name, just like those pictures. I have known people that Jesus shined through them!
Yes Teresa!
How interesting to learn about those photos. What came to my mind is that both of them are in the later stages of their lives… so… maybe it takes us all a lifetime to truly understand grace and to have a spirit of gratitude for all God has done for us as we look back over the years???
Jane, I agree with you on that. We are works in progress until the end…
Thank you for the wonderful post. I hope God shows His love and acceptance and compassion for everyone through me.
Thank you Joni. I so appreciate you reading and commenting. And He does show His love through you!