Imagine hearing the rumbling of a train. Not the little engine that could. Not Thomas.
It’s the Gratitude Train.
I was visiting the Virginia War Museum this week on family vacation. I was delighted when Ethan said, “Mom, look there’s the Gratitude Train. It was given to the U.S. by the French filled with gifts to say thank you for sending aid in the World War I.”
“How did you know that?” I wondered.
“Highlights Magazine!”
Ethan is fascinated with history and his enthusiasm for the museum was infectious.
Coming home, I thought about that Gratitude Train.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have gratitude running steadily through your life, like a train riding on a sturdy track?
In everything gives thanks, for this is God’s will in Christ Jesus for you. (I Thessalonians 5:18)
Sometimes we forget. We may forget the wars of the past which purchased the life of freedom we enjoy each day in America. But when we take time to remember the courage of soldiers and their families, we are naturally filled with gratitude.
In our homes, we can also forget. We seem to be able to remember the wrongs committed against us pretty well, but what about the rights?
Maybe if you’re not feeling too grateful for your spouse (he or she snores!) or for your kids (they are on my last nerve!), it’s time to picture a Gratitude Train rolling down the tracks right through your family room.
Inside the boxcar, there are treasures to be remembered. The job offer that came at the right time. Your wedding day. The day you met Christ. The first time you held your baby.
Take time to remember. When you remember the goodness of the living God through the years, you won’t ever run out of things to say thank you for.
