I will always remember with great fondness a former church member of mine by the name of Paul.   Paul was filled with gratitude.  His signature statement was, "It's great to be alive!"  And he truly LIVED  each and every day.   And, I remind myself, his life was not always easy.    Toward the last part and season of his life his wife had alzhiemers disease.    He kept Bea at home with him as long as he possibly could.   But there arrived the day when he had to place his mate of more than 60 years into a nursing facility.    That was an enormously difficult day!   With tears in his eyes and a positive faith, Paul made the trek and did the gut-wrenching but necessary action.

For years Paul made the trip from home to nursing home, twice each day, to feed Bea her meals and to lovingly speak to her and to comb her long, silver hair.  He would often speak words of love and encouragement to Bea as he stroked her hair lovingly with his hand; saying words like:  "Bea, I'm so glad God gave you to me!"     "You are the love of my life!"  "It's great to be alive and to be here with you!"   And the times that I was privileged to enter into this sacred space with two faith-filled and positive personalities I was encouraged and inspired!  Often at these visits with Paul and Bea, after visiting and sharing together and after a word of prayer, Paul would hand me an offering envelope for our church, which contained his tithes and offerings to help enable and sustain ministry, frequently saying: "Pastor, God has been good to me and Bea.   Life is a blessing!    It's great to be alive!  Please take this offering to the church."     Gratitude seeped from Paul!  Thanksgiving and gratitude contiually generated his generosity in every aspect of his life.