“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

A. J. Cronin was born in 1896 in Cardross, Scotland. He was educated at Dumbarton Academy where he received baccalaureates in medicine and surgery. In 1914, he entered the Glasgow University Medical School, graduating in 1919. During World War I Cronin served as a surgeon in the Royal Navy. After the war, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on a liner bound for India, and then served in various hospitals. In 1930, his health broke down and he turned to writing as a profession. In 1931 he produced his first novel, “Hatter’s Castle,” which became an immediate success. He followed it with several best-selling books including “The Citadel,” “The Stars Look Down,” and “The Keys of the Kingdom.” Once Cronin told about a colleague who gave an unusual prescription to patients afflicted with worry, fear, discouragement or self-doubt. The doctor called it his thank-you cure. “For six weeks I want you to say thank you whenever anyone does you a favor. And to show you mean it, emphasize the words with a smile.” Within six weeks most of the doctor’s patients showed great improvement.

Giving thanks should not be a once a year event. It should be practiced daily for all the blessings that we receive. Are you feeling worry, fear, discouragement or self-doubt? Today in prayer, thank Christ and thank others whenever anyone does you a favor.

“Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.” – Charles E. Jefferson

God’s Word: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2001, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING kennedy@devotional.com