By Maggie Noland, Province IV Representative

It is extremely important to live a life of gratitude. Even in our darkest moments, I have found that there is always something to be grateful for. Always.

When I was younger, I kept thinking that when I got over whatever unpleasant thing was happening in my life, everything would be smooth sailing from then on. Of course, that never happened because there was always something else to upset the apple cart! That threw me into a state of negativity a great deal of the time.

As I aged, studied the Bible, and learned, I began to realize that there will always be trials as long as I am leading my life on earth. The Bible assures us of this. I also learned that if I focus on the good things rather than the bad things, I am infinitely happier and, I am sure, much more pleasant to be around.

I began to be involved with the United Thank Offering in the Diocese of Alabama approximately 20 years ago. I found it to be most rewarding to work with churches that were trying to start new ministries. As I got to know more people involved with UTO, I found myself involved in the National UTO Board. I was asked to work with Province VII and a revival of UTO in those dioceses. I was overwhelmed but agreed to this request. Consequently, I made many new friends and became even more focused on gratitude in my life. My work with Province VII and with the UTO National Board has been rewarding beyond my expectations. It is happy work with a definite and consistent focus on gratitude.

I have found that no matter what is happening in my personal life, when I focus on today and what I have to be grateful for, I can weather the storms. UTO helps with this.

I am now involved with Province IV, which is my own province, and I am thrilled to be continuing work born of gratitude. Use your Blue Box and focus on gratitude each day. Drop in a coin when you feel grateful, or write what you are grateful for on a slip of paper and drop it in. If you don’t have a Blue Box, make your own. When you focus on gratitude daily, it will affect your outlook and I am certain your health, as well!