Gratitude…Practice It
By Rev. Sheri D. Smith Clayborn, D.Min., Contributing Writer
Bethel AME Church, Baltimore, MD
Andrae Crouch, in My Tribute, asks, “How can I say thanks for the things God has done for me?” Yes, the songwriter is thankful and prepares to go beyond thanksgiving into gratitude. Being thankful is necessary but does not always have a reciprocal action. Being thankful can simply be thinking or saying thank you. However, gratitude includes “a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness” (Oxford Languages Dictionary). For the Christian, gratitude in its purest form begins with acknowledging what God has done in us and for us and includes a readiness (meaning you do not have to be pumped or prodded) to show one’s appreciation in the form of acts of kindness.
For some, gratitude may not be at the forefront of their mind as delegates and observers prepare to attend the 2024 General Conference. However, with all the issues that face the church, one of the ways forward is gratitude. In preparation for the general conference, allow gratitude to lead you. It is not enough to tell God, “Thank you!” The gratitude of the Church requires a reciprocal action that shows our level of appreciation. Leaning into gratitude will allow each person to be most effective in doing their part at the general conference and in their daily lives.
It is important to acknowledge that gratitude is not on the opposite spectrum of uncertainty, disappointment, distrust, or anger. Rather, gratitude is the lens by which we must choose to do the business of the church. A person can be angry and grateful, disappointed and grateful, uncertain and grateful…all at the same time. Acknowledging one’s feelings and concerns is necessary. Using gratitude as the lens to address one’s feelings while engaging in the business of the Lord’s church should be our response.
Gratitude is both a centering practice and a lifestyle that should not be abandoned in difficult times. In our context, gratitude means that we do not disregard leadership principles of accountability, transparency, and love, nor avoid dealing with the issues that face African Methodism. The Church has the privilege of thanking God and simultaneously showing God that we are grateful by having hard conversations around LGBTQIA+ issues, concerns regarding the pastors’ annuity fund, holding bishops, clergy, and laypersons accountable, addressing our decline in overall membership, electing people to serve who prioritize their spiritual focus over their political prowess and addressing the future of our church in whole and healthy ways. By doing these things and more, the church shows God its gratitude. Other forms of gratitude include self-care during the conference (taking your medications, getting rest, drinking water, moving your body), treating others well, and keeping a spiritual focus during this business meeting. Gratitude is not just our way forward; it is also the way to our deliverance. Just like the leper in Luke 17, gratitude helps us heal and be made whole. Let’s practice gratitude.
