Growing in Gratitude

Yesterday morning I was sitting at a restaurant waiting for my food to come. As I waited I read a newspaper article on homelessness. A number of Australians can be found living on the streets. It’s not just those we might suspect. Homelessness affects the educated, the young, the old, those with families and friends, and those without. As I read the article I came to know of a young woman named Ashleigh O’Grady.

In this article she described what it’s like to live on the streets and how they often huddle together and sleep near each other to keep warm. Yet the morning after there is another death and the mortician comes to pick up the body in “the meat wagon”, as they refer to it. 

Ashleigh was homeless at 22 and now at 29 she’s still homeless. She doesn’t know what will become of her life. The future is uncertain and tonight she will face another cold night on the streets of Perth. 

As I reflect on Ashleigh’s story, I can’t help but think I have so much to be grateful for. I’m a year younger than her and not only do I have a roof over my head and can access fresh food and clean drinking water- I have so much more. I have family, friends, good health, a job and I have hope and a future because of what God has done for me. I wonder though, what could we be doing to help the Ashleighs of the world? 

In our gratitude for the blessings God has provided, shouldn’t we also respond by blessing others? Gratitude should inspire a response of grace and care for those who are not as fortunate as you and I. 

Let’s remember the Ashelighs of the world and may we make known His goodness to them by our generosity and love.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!”- Psalm 105:1.

Leticia :).

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Thought for the week...

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We wish to thank...

This week a special thank you goes to our deacons and deaconesses for your help in the communion service last week. Your dedication to your area of ministry is always valuable and valued. God bless.

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