Leonard Gray / L’Observateur / July 12, 2000

The first time I heard the statement that it’s impossible to be hateful when you’re grateful was at a 12-step program that helped me to get sober. The problem with most people is that they take everything forgranted and refuse to be grateful. Being grateful for the good things in lifeshould be easy, but it’s not. The reason is simply that we take blessingsfor granted.

In 1980, after having a spiritual experience, I started reading the Bible, which is one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. To this day, Iread a little of this great book every day. It has more wisdom than allother books combined.

Shortly after I started reading the Bible, I came across the scripture that we should rejoice in all things – the good things and the trials in life. Ithen heard a sermon thanking God for all things, even for the trials in ourl ives.

A few weeks later, on my way back from New Orleans, I got a flat tire on the Spillway bridge. My first reaction was anger. I then remembered thescripture and the recent sermon I had heard – rejoice in all things! I started thanking God for the flat. I have to admit that I felt stupid, butcontinued to say, “Praise God! Thanks for the flat.” (Keep in mind, I’m notgood at changing flats, especially when cars are flying by on the bridge.)Well, guess what! It wasn’t five minutes after rejoicing in my trial that my buddy, Gene Duhe, came along, saw me and stopped. “What are youdoing?” he asked. “I stopped to fish,” I said, sarcastically. Gene, knowingme well, knew I would never change that flat. He proceeded to jack up thecar and change the flat, as I directed the traffic.

You might be thinking – why write an article about a flat tire? This article is not about a flat tire, or me. It’s about a faithful God whoresponds when we rejoice in all things.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group.

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