“If that kind [praising God for hemoglobin] of nuanced gratitude seems like overkill, that’s why you haven’t been overjoyed in a long time. Generic gratitude results in generic joy — we aren’t sure why we feel what we feel. Nuanced gratitude results in nuanced joy.”- Mark Batterson
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”- Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
In Chapter 4 (“Holy Curiosity”) of A Million Little Miracles, Mark Batterson notes that God’s creation provides ample evidence of His invisible nature. And that includes every facet of the human body. Hence, Mark notes, Orthodox Jews pronounce at least one hundred blessings a day. Therefore, the Talmud asserts, “A man embezzles from God when he makes use of the world without uttering a blessing.”
Consequently, Mark reminds us, when we fail to take things for gratitude, we take them for granted. And taking things for granted amounts to stealing those things from God. Thus, the core of Christian growth consists of identifying everyday miracles and praising God for them.
So, Pastor Batterson exhorts, start with your area of expertise. As you give thanks, see if that doesn’t result in a laundry list of gratitude. Above all, the author observes, your gratitude is as unique as your fingerprint.
As a result, Mark counsels:
“You may be rolling your eyes at the level of detail, but this is more than a game of Trivial Pursuit. What you don’t turn into praise turns into pride. Until you have sufficiently counted your blessings, you aren’t ready for the next one. But, Mark, if I pronounce a hundred blessings a day, I wouldn’t have time for anything else! Like what? Complain?”
In conclusion, Pastor Batterson invites us to take the Gratitude Challenge. Try thanking God for the things you typically take for granted.
Today’s question: Do you tend to express nuanced or generic gratitude? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Keep digging deeper and deeper”